What residential aged care is
Residential aged care is for older people who can no longer live in their own home.
It includes accommodation and personal care 24 hours a day, as well as access to nursing and general health care services.
We subsidise aged care homes to provide residential care to eligible people.
To find out who is eligible, go to aged care homes on the My Aged Care website.
Why residential aged care is important
We know that older people in Australia want to live in their own home as they age.
When this is no longer possible, it’s important they have options to receive the care they need.
We subsidise residential aged care to make sure all older people can access this type of aged care.
Who residential aged care is for
A person must be approved and allocated a residential care place before they can enter subsidised residential aged care.
A aged care assessor will assess and approve a care recipient to be allocated a place so they can access residential aged care. People can apply for an assessment through My Aged Care.
The goals of residential aged care
Residential aged care provides care, accommodation and everyday living services to older people so they can maintain their health and wellbeing.
How residential aged care will meet these goals
Aged care homes provide accommodation and help with:
- day-to-day tasks — such as cleaning, cooking and laundry
- personal care — such as bathing, dressing and going to the toilet
- access to health practitioner services, clinical care and therapies
- other services — such as social and emotional support, and entertainment.
All government-funded aged care homes must be registered providers and meet quality standards.
The cost of residential aged care
Costs of living in residential aged care vary.
There are costs that are the same for all residents. For example, a basic daily fee.
There are costs that are based on a resident’s means and that are determined by Services Australia. For example, a means tested fee or an accommodation contribution.
There are costs based on a resident’s means that are then agreed between a provider and a resident. For example, an agreed room price.
Each home sets and publishes its own room prices for different kinds of rooms.
My Aged Care has information for residents on:
- costs and understanding room pricing
- how to apply for a subsidised place
- how much a resident is likely to pay, using the fee estimator.
Registered providers can read more about:
- fees they can charge
- government subsidies and supplements they can receive for delivering services.
Who provides residential aged care services
Registered providers run Australian Government-subsided aged care homes.
Older people can search for aged care homes, short-term and respite care on My Aged Care.
Who oversees residential aged care
We approve applications for registered providers under the Aged Care Act 2024 (the new Act) to deliver residential aged care.
Previously we allocated places to providers through the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR). From 1 November 2025, places will be assigned directly to older people.
We allocate capital grants through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
We subsidise and develop policy for residential aged care under the new Act.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission assesses the services to make sure providers meet quality standards.
Residential respite care
Residential respite care is short-term care provided in an aged care home. It can be on a planned or emergency basis. Respite gives a carer or care recipient a break from their usual care arrangements.
An aged care assessor will assess and approve care recipients to access respite care. People can apply for an assessment through My Aged Care.
Approved residents are entitled to 63 days of subsidised respite care each financial year. They can apply for an extension of up to 21 days.