Your Guide

2. Understand Their Care Needs

Every person has different care requirements. Consider what level of support your loved one needs now and whether those needs may change over time.

Think about:

• Personal care and daily activities
• Medication support
• Mobility and accessibility
• Dementia or memory support
• Meals and dietary requirements
• Social and recreational activities
• Medical and health support
• Short-term respite or ongoing permanent care

Understanding these needs will help you identify an aged care home that is suitable for them.

4. Visit the Aged Care Home

A visit can give you and your loved one a much better understanding of what life will be like.

During your visit, take note of:

• How staff interact with residents
• Whether residents appear comfortable and engaged
• The cleanliness and atmosphere of the home
• The available communal and outdoor areas
• Dining facilities
• Bedrooms and bathrooms
• Activities available to residents
• How welcoming the environment feels

Most importantly, ask yourself: Could I see my loved one feeling comfortable and at home here?

6. Move in Day, Make Their Room Feel Like Home

Moving into aged care doesn’t mean leaving behind everything that makes a person who they are.

Where possible, personalise their room with familiar belongings. Family photographs, artwork, a favourite chair, books or treasured possessions can create a sense of familiarity.

Try to recreate elements of their previous home without overcrowding the space. Moving day can bring a mixture of emotions. Try to keep the day calm, organised and positive.

Before arriving:

• Confirm the arrival time with the aged care home
• Have important documents ready
• Pack medications and essential items
• Make sure belongings are clearly labelled
• Bring a few familiar items for their room
• Allow plenty of time so the move doesn’t feel rushed

If your loved one is anxious, reassure them that they won’t have to navigate the transition alone.

Stay Connected

Regular contact can make a big difference, particularly during the early stages.

Visit when you can, but remember that phone calls, video calls, photographs and small messages can also help your loved one feel connected.

Encourage other family members and friends to maintain contact too. Transitioning a loved one into aged care can be an emotional experience for everyone involved. It’s okay to have questions, concerns and mixed feelings throughout the process.

With careful planning, open communication and the right support, aged care can provide your loved one with a safe, welcoming environment where they can receive the care they need while continuing to enjoy meaningful relationships, activities and everyday experiences.

The goal isn’t simply to find somewhere for your loved one to live, it’s to find a place where they can feel cared for, respected, comfortable and at home.