Aged care guide
Choosing a residential aged care home
There is a lot to consider when choosing the right residential aged care home and we appreciate it can be quite overwhelming.
Feeling comfortable in a new home is important for your health and wellbeing.
We’ve put together some practical advice to help guide you through the process.
What to consider when looking for your new home
It’s important to find residential aged care that suits your needs. Feeling comfortable in your new home could have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing.
When you are taking a tour, consider the following questions:
Team
What training do staff receive (especially in dementia, behaviour management, or complex care)?
What is the average length of employment for your care team?
How do you handle complaints or concerns about care or staff members?
How do staff understand my care needs?
Is there dedicated lifestyle team?
Food
How are special diets handled (diabetes, allergies, texture-modified food)?
Can we see the weekly menu?
Are residents able to contribute to the menu?
Are there a range of options to choose from?
Are there food engagement-related activities for residents who like to cook?
Is there an onsite kitchen?
Lifestyle activities and leisure programs
Are activities tailored to residents’ interests, abilities, cultural background, and changing needs, including dementia care?
What innovative activities are offered like music, art, technology, intergenerational programs and how are residents supported to stay involved with their wider community?
Who delivers the lifestyle program, and does the program run regularly, including weekends, to ensure ongoing engagement for residents?
Clinical Care
Are there registered nurses on site 24/7?
Is ageing in place supported?
How are memory support units managed differently to mainstream areas of home?
Do they have higher staffing?
Do the staff complete any dementia training?
Are allied health services visits provided?
What services e.g. dental, podiatry are available to you?
Do they provide access to allied health services onsite?
Other important things to observe during the tour
Does it feel like a place your loved one would be comfortable living?
Do residents appear relaxed, engaged, and well cared for?
Are staff warm, respectful, and interacting positively?
Is the environment clean, bright, and free of strong odours?
Is the atmosphere inviting?
Are there appropriate noise levels?
Are there visitors or community groups spending meaningful time with residents?
Find out why you should choose Bupa Aged Care
Book a tour at one of our Bupa Aged Care homes. Choose between 50+ care homes across Australia.
Visiting some aged care homes is a key step in your decision-making process. It's an opportunity to meet our staff, ask any questions you may have, and form an impression.
You can inspect the available rooms, explore the common areas, and see if the care home can meet your needs.
To make this process easier for you, we have recently launched online bookings so it will only take you a few clicks to arrange a tour at your preferred Bupa Aged Care home.
Find a Bupa care home
Find a home to tour
Your care, your way
We believe in your care, your way. Our commitment to holistic care for the elderly means we take the time to get to know you, from your routine through to your favourite things.
Because we recognise each resident as an individual, with their own, interests, and requirements, we offer care that embraces you.
Watch the video to find out more about how we care for your wellbeing.