Choosing an Aged Care Centre: What to consider

3. Facilities and services

The facilities offered at different aged care centres can vary significantly so it's worth putting together a checklist of things that are important to you.

For example, if you like an outdoor lifestyle, it's worth checking out the garden spaces available to residents. Some even have swimming pools if you're keen on a regular dip.

Alternatively, if you prefer indoor living, make sure you ask if there's a library, café, community hall or other communal spaces available.

Don't forget to check if the personal care services you require will be on hand. For example, will you have access to a hairdresser, podiatrist, physiotherapist or beautician?

If you can access the facilities and services you enjoy, this will help you settle in to your new home more quickly.

4. Food

Surveys and feedback show that the food served in an aged care centre is often the thing the residents care most about.

Ask to see the weekly menu and check out how much variety and choice is on offer. If you have special dietary, cultural or ethical needs, check whether these can be catered for.

Are the meals cooked fresh and presented in an appealing way? Are they healthy and nutritious? Remember though, that other residents often require easily digestible and even pureed food, so these meals might not always appear as tempting as you might expect.

Can family members stay for meals with their loved ones? Will they have access to a kitchenette to make themselves a cup of tea or coffee and a sandwich.

As a resident, you'll be paying a Basic Daily Fee to cover your day to day living expenses, so make sure you're getting value for money.

5. Location

It's a sad fact of life that more and more people are experiencing loneliness. Relationships Australia warns that social relationships tend to decline as we age, which can lead to feelings of loneliness. This can be devastating for older people, leading to depression and other health issues.

Of course, if you choose the right place, it won't be long before you make new friends, but it's still important to think carefully about the location. Will it be easy for family and friends to visit? What are the preferred visiting hours? Can family bring pets to visit? Does it have adequate visitor parking?

If you plan to go out some days, is the aged care centre close to a shopping centre, cafes, movie theatre or other facilities that are important to you?

6. Community activities

Most residential aged care homes offer a program of activities to support residents' social, mental and physical wellbeing. However, it's worth checking whether the activities suit your needs and interests.

One thing you can do is ask to see the activity schedule so you can get a sense of what types of activities are on offer and how often they are run.

Some examples at IRT aged care centres include craft groups, men's shed activities, themed events and visits from local school children.

Movies, musicians, games and pet therapy are other activities on offer at many places, as well as outdoor activities, such as walking groups, shopping trips and bus outings.

If you have specific cultural or language needs, talk openly to the staff about these to be sure you'll receive the best possible care and support.