Residential Care
Placement Checklist

Aged Care Tips

Residential Care Placement Checklist

First Impressions are Important

  • Does the overall atmosphere appear friendly, safe and comfortable?
  • Does the home smell okay?
  • Does it seem to be a comfortable temperature for all residents?
  • Do the residents seem happy and content?
  • Do the residents seem happy with the way staff address and respond to them?
  • Are residents treated with respect as well as in a friendly manner?
  • Does there seem to be enough staff?
  • Do the staff seem caring and attentive towards residents?
  • Are there other people with similar care needs to yours?

Location

  • Will it be easy to see your family and friends?
  • Is it easy to get to local shops, club, church or other places and events?
  • Is there adequate transport to help you get where you want to go?
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The Premises

  • Can someone in a wheelchair move around easily?
  • Is access difficult and safety an issue because there is more than one floor?
  • Are there call-bells in the bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas?
  • Are rooms, stairs and corridors suitably lit?
  • Is there a safe garden that residents can use?
  • Are there smoke detectors and fire extinguishers?
  • Are there security arrangements?
  • Is the garden accessible to wheelchairs?

Accommodation

  • Bedrooms - Can you have a single room if you want one?
  • Are there rooms with their own bathroom and toilet en-suite?
  • If you have to share a room can you meet the other person beforehand?
  • Can you have a different room if you dont get on with the person?
  • Are there screens in shared rooms to give privacy?
  • Can you bring some of your own furniture and belongings?
  • Can you lock your cupboard?
  • Can you have your own TV in your room?
  • Can you have a telephone installed in your room?
  • Can you have air-conditioning installed?

Bathroom / Toilets

  • Are toilets, baths and showers easy and private for residents to use?
  • Is there a toilet within easy reach of your bedroom?
  • Are there toilets within easy reach of all the communal rooms?

Community Rooms

  • Is the furniture in the communal rooms arranged in a comfortable way?
  • Is there a choice of lounges?
  • Is there more than one TV room?
  • Is there a quiet room with no TV?
  • Are there non-smoking rooms?

Day-to-Day Life

  • Are you comfortable with the house rules (eg. about smoking or pets)?
  • Can you influence what happens in the aged care home?
  • Is there an independent Residents and Relatives group?
  • Would there be a member of staff to take a special interest in your welfare?

Domestic Arrangements

  • Can you get up and go to bed when you want to?
  • Will your room be cleaned at least once a week?
  • Will your bed be made for you?
  • Can you help arround the aged care home if you want to?
  • Is it possible to buy small items in the aged care home?
  • Are daily papers and mail delivered?

Language and Culture

  • Is there a staff member who can speak your language?
  • Is there a policy of culturally appropriate care?
  • Have the staff received cross cultural training?

Personal Possessions

  • Is there a secure place where personal items and valuables can be kept?
  • Does the home take responsibility for insuring your possessions?

Meals

  • Can you have input to menus?
  • Do the menus include foods which you like?
  • Do the menus give you a choice of dishes?
  • Do the menus seem to you to be balanced and nutritious?
  • Can special diets be catered for?
  • Can you have/make a snack when ever you want?
  • Is it possible to have meals other than at set times?
  • Can you have meals in your rooms?

Leisure Time

  • Are social events and outings organised frequently?
  • Will there be activities which interest you?

Religion

  • Will you be able to practice your own religion?
  • Are there regular visits by a practitioner from your religion?

Telephones

  • Can you have a telephone in your room?
  • Is there a telephone without people overhearing what you are saying?
  • Is there a telephone you can use which meets any special requirements?

Visitors

  • Can family and friends visit you without restriction?
  • Are there places where you can spend time in private with your guests?
  • Can visitors stay for a meal or even overnight?
  • Can you make/offer your guests a drink or snack?

Personal care

  • Can you have a say in the way you are looked after/helped?
  • Is the personal care you need available?
  • Can relatives or friends help you with personal care if you want them to?
  • Does a hairdresser visit the aged care home?

Health care

  • Will your health care needs be met?
  • Can you keep the same doctor you have now?
  • Will you have access to a doctor at all times if required?
  • Is there a local doctor who accepts patients from the home?
  • Does a doctor visit the aged care home regularly?
  • Do other other health professionals visit the aged care home?
  • If your care needs change can you continue to live at the home?

How the Aged Care Home is Managed?

  • Can you have a financial report for the aged care home?
  • Who runs the aged care home?
  • Are they the owner or the manager?
  • How long have they been running the aged care home?
  • Where can they be contacted?
  • How many residents are there?
  • How many care staff are on duty morning, afternoon, evening, at night?
  • Are night staff awake or on call?
  • What qualifications do the management and staff have achieved?
  • What ongoing training do management and staff receive?
  • Is the aged care home registered/certified/accredited?

Terms and Conditions

  • What would be covered in your agreement?
  • What are the facility guidelines, fees and costs?
  • What does the daily fee cover?
  • What services are included in your payment?
  • What extra services do you pay for?
  • When is the RAD payable?
  • How much is the RAD?
  • Are standard resident fees payable in advance or arrears?
  • Are standard resident fees payable monthly?
  • What happens if you run out of funds?
  • How long a trial period of respite care can you have?
  • What notice must be given if you want to leave the aged care home?
  • In what circumstances might a resident be asked to leave?

Aged Care Placement Guide

Senior Moves: Aged Care Advice, Placement and Advocacy

Aged Care Planning in the Holiday Season
ResiCare Financial Changes - July 2025
Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF)
Guide to Residential Care
Eligibility and Assessment
Residential Care Financials
Hints and Tips
Selecting the Aged Care Home
Admission Day
Transition and Settling In
Residential Care STAR Ratings