Did you know that the average person spends over 2 years of their life searching for the right aged care solution for their loved one? That’s because choosing an aged care home isn’t simply a case of ticking boxes, but more about entrusting strangers with a person’s entire way of life.
You’re not just looking for a clean room and scheduled meals. You’re looking for warmth, dignity, and genuine care. The kind that shows in the way someone smiles while helping your mum get ready in the morning. Or how they remember your dad’s favourite meal on Fridays.
With over 275,000 Australians currently using home care, and many more planning the transition, families face a flood of information, but few truly know what to ask when it matters most. This guide changes that.
We’ll walk you through the key questions to ask aged care providers in Fairfield during your visit, covering topics such as personal care and safety, food, social life, and medical support so that you can make a confident and informed decision for your loved one.
Personal and Clinical Care
Understanding how an aged care home provides personal and medical care is likely to be the most crucial aspect of your decision. Each resident will have their own needs, ranging from daily showering support through to medication management and high-level clinical care. The quality of care and respect for personal dignity can significantly contribute to overall wellbeing.
Questions:
How will you provide the care and support services I need?
What qualifications and training do your staff have?
What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and night?
How do you manage clinical needs such as wound care, medication, or continence support?
Can I see a sample nursing care plan?
What to look for:
- Access to registered nurses or clinical coordinators
- Regular health assessments
- A clear explanation of how they adapt care as individual needs change
Medical Services and Health Appointments
Aged care homes typically coordinate external health services, such as GPs, specialists, dentists, and allied health workers. You need to know how to access medical help and arrange appointments, especially if you have ongoing health conditions that require attention.
Ask:
Is there a doctor on-site or on call?
Do you help schedule and attend medical appointments?
What happens in the event of a health emergency?
If you or someone you love has a long-term condition (e.g., diabetes or dementia), find out how comfortable the care staff are in caring for it.
Rooms, Privacy, and Comfort
Your aged care room in the facility is your home, your sleeping space, area of privacy, and comfort. Some homes offer different room types (shared and private), as well as different levels of personalisation. Visiting the room and facility will help to picture life in the home on a daily basis.
Ask:
What room types are available (shared or private home care)?
What’s included in the room fee?
Can I personalise my room with furniture or items from home?
Are pets allowed?
Can I tour the gardens or common areas?
Still unsure what care your parent might need? Contact us for a no-pressure chat with one of our aged care specialists—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Meals and Dietary Preferences
Food is not just fuel; it’s also a social experience and a way to maintain a sense of normalcy and joy. Dietary preferences, cultural food, allergies, and special nutritional foods should all be respected and catered to. Ask about the flexibility and resident-led nature of the meal service.
Ask:
How are meals prepared, and who designs the menu?
How do you cater for allergies, cultural needs, or special diets?
Can I see a sample weekly menu?
What are the meal times and arrangements?
Lifestyle, Social Activities and Community
Maintaining a social life, engaging in hobbies, and participating in group or extracurricular activities in Fairfield are essential for emotional well-being. Respite care or residential aged care homes can arrange active lifestyle programs that help maintain the residents in an active, engaged, and mentally stimulated condition.
Ask:
What kinds of activities do you offer on a daily or weekly basis?
Are there social groups, clubs, or interest-based programs?
Can residents suggest or request specific activities?
Do you organise outings or excursions? How often?
Are religious or spiritual activities supported?
Mobility, Toileting and Day-to-Day Assistance
Resident assistance in daily activities, including showering, dressing, eating, or mobility, varies. Assistance must be implemented with dignity and promote independence when possible.
Ask:
How do staff assist residents with daily activities?
How do you support residents with mobility or walking difficulties?
Are call bells or assistance buttons available in rooms and bathrooms?
How do you prevent falls and promote safe movement?
Curious about who’s actually providing the care? Reach out to learn more about our staff qualifications, ratios, and how we maintain continuity of compassionate care.
Family Involvement and Communication
A supportive aged care home values family relationships and keeps loved ones involved in a resident’s care. Open communication, family meetings, and regular updates help everyone stay informed and connected.
Ask:
What is your visitor policy for family and friends?
How often can families be involved in reviewing care plans?
Do you offer regular updates or meetings for families?
How easy is it to contact care staff if we have concerns?
Safety, Complaints and Emergency Procedures
Feeling secure is essential in any environment. From emergency response to addressing resident complaints, the facility should have established procedures and a respectful and responsible culture.
Ask:
How do you handle complaints or concerns from residents?
What safety measures are in place (e.g., call buttons, secure entries)?
How do you protect residents with dementia or cognitive decline?
What procedures do you follow in emergencies, such as fires or pandemics?
Policies and Values
In addition to staff and facilities, a home’s policies and values impact everything from the quality of care to how residents are treated. This is your opportunity to understand the organisation’s stance on respect, privacy, diversity, and inclusion.
Ask:
How do you support dignity, choice, and independence?
What are your policies on cultural or religious inclusion?
Can I change rooms or transfer if my care needs change?
What ongoing improvements are being made to enhance the care and services you provide?
Costs, Fees and What’s Included
Cost of aged care support varies depending on the care options, room accommodation, and whether or not all services are included. Ensure you understand all the fees upfront to avoid any surprises down the line.
Ask:
What are the daily fees, accommodation costs, and extra service charges?
What happens if I can’t afford the fees in the long term?
What’s covered by the government, and what happens with refunds or deposits if I leave?
You can also request a copy of the facility’s Schedule of Fees and ask for help understanding it.
Read More: Understanding Home Care Package Level and Cost.
Specialist Support: Dementia, Palliative and Mental Health
If your relative has specific health concerns, it is essential to determine whether the facility has the necessary experience and staff to address them. Not every aged care facility near fairfield offers the same level of specialised care.
Ask:
Do you have dedicated dementia care units or staff who have received proper dementia training?
How do you support residents in palliative or end-of-life care?
Are mental health or counselling services available?
Can external specialists or therapists continue care here?
Bonus Tip: Prepare a Checklist of Questions to Ask Before Your Visit Aged Care
When visiting several aged care homes, many things can easily be forgotten. A hard copy checklist will remind you, enable you to compare homes, and record your impressions. Leave room for answers to the questions in this booklet, and record observations such as:
Friendliness of staff
Cleanliness and atmosphere
Smells, sounds, and general vibe
Resident engagement and activity levels
Also Read: Aged Care Assessment: Common Questions and Answers
Conclusion
Choosing an aged care home is about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about finding a place where someone will feel safe, respected, and valued. Take your time, ask every question you need, and visit more than once if possible. Look for warmth, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of residents.
By asking the right questions and trusting your instincts, you can confidently choose the right aged care services to meet your medical needs and support a fulfilling life.
Ready to find the right care with confidence? Contact our team now to get support, ask your questions, and take the next step in securing trusted aged care.
