How to Find a Nursing Home (Aged Care Home)
How to find a nursing home in Australia: getting assessed, using star ratings and Find a Provider, what to check on a visit, and how to compare homes.
Start with an assessment
Use the official comparison tools
Understanding star ratings
Visit before you decide
Weigh up cost and location
Ask the practical questions
Making the choice
Frequently asked questions
How do I start finding a nursing home?
Begin with an assessment through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or online, which must approve residential care before you can move into a government-funded home. You can research and visit homes while the assessment is underway, so start early — especially if a hospital stay is involved.
How do aged care star ratings work?
Every government-funded aged care home has an overall rating from 1 to 5 stars, built from four areas: residents' experience, compliance, staffing, and quality measures. Look at the breakdown, not just the headline number, to spot strengths and weaknesses that matter to your family.
Where can I compare aged care homes?
The government's Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website lets you search homes by location and view star ratings and key details. It is the most reliable starting point for building a shortlist before you visit homes in person.
What should I look for when visiting a home?
Notice how staff interact with residents, whether the atmosphere feels warm and calm, cleanliness, and whether residents seem engaged. Ask about overnight staffing, how medical needs and emergencies are handled, food, activities, and how families are kept informed. Visit more than once if you can.