How to apply to a nursing home in Australia

Navigating the application process for a nursing home in Australia can be a daunting experience, but understanding the steps involved can help you or your loved one find the right care facility. Once you’ve been approved by an Aged Care Assessment Team/Service (ACAT/ACAS), you can begin your search for a government-funded aged care home.

Key points:

• Try a respite stay to get a feel for a potential nursing home before you commit to permanent care
• Apply to multiple aged care homes to increase your chances of finding a place
• Bed vacancies can be unpredictable, and wait times vary across locations
• You can search for homes independently or hire a placement consultant

1. Finding the right aged care home

After your ACAT/ACAS approval, your first step is deciding what features you want in an aged care home. Consider factors like:

• availability of extra services or luxury features;
• cultural environments that match your background;
• budget;
• complex care needs, such as a dementia-specific unit; and
• pet-friendly facilities.

These preferences may impact both the cost of care and the types of services available. Use tools like Compare Provider to search for aged care facilities in your area.

It’s a good idea to visit as many homes as possible — just as you would when buying or renting a home — to get a feel for the atmosphere, staff and facilities. You may also want to consider short-term respite care as a way to test the quality of care before committing to a permanent move.

2. Applying to multiple nursing homes

You can apply to multiple aged care homes at once to increase your chances of finding a bed. This is important, as bed vacancies can be unpredictable. Start by creating a shortlist of homes that match your needs.

Steps for applying:

1. fill out application forms — each aged care provider has their own process and they may request additional details beyond your ACAT/ACAS assessment;
2. receive a referral code — provide your referral code from My Aged Care, which allows the nursing home to review your information;
3. undergo financial assessment — to receive subsidised care, you need to be financially assessed by Centrelink. This step requires filling out the SA457 form (Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care).

The financial assessment is valid for 120 days, but if it’s not completed before you enter the home, you may have to pay the full cost of care upfront.

3. Information you’ll need to provide

When applying for aged care, you may be asked for personal information, including:

• your emergency contacts and next of kin details;
• Medicare, pension and health insurance details;
• cultural background and preferred language;
• specific care needs such as dementia care, mobility assistance, or medical support;
• lifestyle preferences, like dietary needs, hobbies and leisure activities.

Your application should also include any relevant ACAT/ACAS assessment results and financial details that have been processed through Centrelink. Some providers may ask for additional health updates to ensure they can meet your care needs.

4. Waiting lists and bed vacancies

Once you’ve submitted your applications, you will likely be placed on waiting lists for each home. Nursing homes can’t predict when a bed will become available, so applying to multiple homes increases your chances of receiving an offer.

If a bed becomes available, the nursing home will contact you. At that point, you can decide if the facility is suitable, and if so, you’ll enter a legal agreement with the provider. If you accept the bed, your name will be removed from the waiting lists of other homes.

However, if the facility isn’t your preferred choice, you can decline and remain on other waiting lists.

5. Legal agreements and resident rights

Before moving into a nursing home, you’ll need to review and sign a resident agreement with your provider. This document outlines your rights, the fees you’ll need to pay and the care and services provided. It’s crucial to read this carefully to ensure you understand all terms before committing to a facility.

You can learn more about this process in our detailed article, What you need to know about your resident agreement.

Applying for a nursing home can be a time-consuming process, but taking the time to research and understand your options will help you find the right aged care facility. Remember to make a shortlist of homes, apply to multiple places, and use respite care to test facilities before making a decision.

For more resources, check out related content:

Introduction to Nursing Homes

Urgent Admission into Aged Care

Supported Residential Services and Facilities

Need help? Contact Aged Care Guide to start your search for nursing homes today.