Finding the next level of care can be a challenge initially, however, In the right environment you can have a wonderful social life and have peace of mind knowing that you will receive the support you need day or night.

1. Before you start looking for an Aged Care Home, decide what it is that you really want.
   What is important to you? If you are wanting to remain living with your partner look for an Aged Care Home that can accommodate that for you. What environment are you looking for?
   Is it being surrounded by nature? Or is something new and modern more you?
   If you have a pet and don’t want to live without your companion, there are Aged Care Homes that will allow you to bring your pet. Make a list of what is most important to you.
2. Short list a variety of Aged Care Homes in an area you would ideally like to live.
   Our advice is to do this earlier rather than later as some Aged Care Homes have a waiting list.
3. Ideally visit a few Aged Care Homes, by visiting a few Aged Care Homes, you can see if they are what you are looking for and compare. Have a look at the rooms, can you imagine yourself in there and can you personalize it to suit you.
4. How does it feel and sense when you walk in there?  Your initial feeling is normally right.
   Are you greeted with a smile? Do the residents and staff look happy? Do you get a sense of Community? Trust your instinct.
5. How do the staff look? Are they in uniform with a name badge, do they have the right communication equipment on them, do they sit with the residents and engage with them, are they friendly? Do they look happy and not stressed and pressured?
6. How do the staff make you feel? Do the front office staff greet you kindly? Take your calls with warmth and patience. Do Carers smile as you walk by? Is there are social worker or Chaplin to talk to about your journey if required?
7. Do the residents look happy?  Strike up a conversation with a resident or family member (they will tell you what it is like there), do ask a few people so you can get a good balance. Do the residents have a committee? Or a process so their opinions, choices are heard and acknowledged.
8. Do they have a life style team? What activities do they offer? Do they suit your likes? Do they have weekend activities and or evening activities as well? Do they bring the community to the residents, like integrational programs or book clubs?
9. Dining experience – Do they have extended meal times and access to food outside of meal times? Is there a chef on the premesis? or are the meals frozen and brought in from elsewhere? Will they cater for your food tastes and requirements?
10. Dementia Care – Are the residents engaged with meaningful activity, staff or each other?
    Is it a small-scale environment or could they get lost in large spaces and winding corridors?
11. Medical and Palliative Care: What are the RN ratios? Is there a visiting GP? Will you feel supported if your Health declines or will you be sent to hospital every time you are unwell?
    If you become palliative, will they assist you with advanced care planning?
12. Communication, culture and good leadership are the keys to a successful Aged Care Home.
    It’s not possible to get things right 100% of the time, but if they are open to communication and change and have the ethos that empowers residents and staff you are on the right track to choosing the right Care Home for you.
13. Seek independent advice from a financial aged care specialist especially if you have a home or assets prior to making your decisions.
14. This is the time in your life where you should be able to be and do what it is you like, time to rest, to be creative, time to read in the sun, socialise and be cared for in the best possible way.