The decision on whether when it’s the ‘right time’ for yourself or a loved one to move into more supportive residential Aged Care is a big decision one to make. The journey will look quite different from person to person and can be more difficult than it needs to be emotionally fraught without the appropriate information. Below, we’ve answered some frequent questions about the right time for moving into Aged Care and what you need to know about it.
What is the right age for Aged Care?
In Australia, a person qualifies for a government-subsidised place in a residential Aged Care home if they’re over 65 years of age. Additionally, people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent may qualify at 50 or older.
Apart from age, eligibility is also assessed on care needs, living situation, level of independence and whether the person is already in or at risk of moving into an Aged Care home.
Government subsidies and qualification requirements
The Government subsidies are provided under the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN‑ACC) funding model to approved Residential Aged Care providers.
This model helps ensure fair and consistent funding across facilities and supports the delivery of quality care and services to residents.
The government subsidy is available for individuals:
- aged 65 years or older
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 50 years or over
- homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 years or over (under certain conditions)
There are also provisions for younger people to access care under ‘exceptional circumstances’ when standard assessment criteria apply. For example, some people may qualify regardless of their age if they meet certain health- or disability-based criteria and can no longer manage daily tasks independently.
A note on the New Laws: Aged Care Act 2024
As of November 1, 2025, the new Aged Care Act (replacing the previous 1997 legislation) has introduced a rights-based framework that places older Australians at the centre of care decisions and strengthens protections across the Aged Care system.
Key changes include:
- A Statement of Rights for people accessing Aged Care
- A simpler, unified assessment and eligibility process
- Stronger oversight of providers to ensure quality, safety and respect for residents.
What this means for you.
Understanding both the age thresholds and care assessments used by the government and providers can make planning easier.
With the new Aged Care Act now in place, the process will be clearer, fairer and more consistent, giving families confidence and peace of mind when considering the right time for Aged Care.
When should an elderly person go into residential Aged Care?
Signs that your loved one might be ready for Aged Care support include:
- being unable to manage household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping independently
- being unable to manage personal care tasks such as dressing, showering or toileting independently
- requiring modifications to the home to aid mobility
- experiencing memory loss or other symptoms that impact their ability to live independently and safely.
- having difficulty independently taking medication as prescribed or following the advice of medical professionals.
- requiring more medical care and support than can be provided at home.
In some cases, an elderly person can receive the support they need while continuing to live at home. However, finding an available home carer can be difficult, especially for urgent care. They could also require more assistance than can be safely provided at home. If so, admission to an Aged Care residence allows them to receive the support and care they need. can be safely provided in their home. If any of these apply to your situation, a move to an Aged Care facility may be beneficial.
Types of care arrangements in Australia
1. At home care
For some families, caring for an elderly loved one at home feels like the best or only option, especially when private Aged Care may seem out of reach or eligibility for government subsidies isn’t met. In these cases, home care provides a sense of familiarity and emotional comfort, allowing the person to stay in a place filled with memories and meaning. That said, it’s worth considering the physical, emotional and financial impacts of providing care at home. To understand more of what’s involved, take a look at our guide on Aged Care costs.
2. Aged Care Residential homes
Aged Care or Nursing homes (also known as Residential Aged Care facilities) provide ongoing support for those who can no longer manage daily living on their own. These homes offer accommodation, meals, 24-hour care and access to health and wellbeing services, creating a safe and supportive environment for elderly residents. TriCare has seventeen locations and facilities in Southeast Queensland and one in Melbourne.
3. Short-Term Care
Short-Term (respite) care provides temporary support, often after a hospital stay or when a usual carer needs a break. It can include respite care, transition care or short rehabilitation stays to help an older person recover strength and independence before returning home or deciding whether they require long-term Ongoing (permanent) care. TriCare offers Short-Term care in some of their facilities for more information click here.
4. Retirement villages
Retirement villages provide a lifestyle option for older Australians who remain capable of independent living but want a simpler life with the company of others and more security and support. Residents enjoy their own village home along with the use of shared facilities and social opportunities. Unlike Aged Care facilities, retirement villages do not always offer personal or medical care services but do usually provide a 24-hour Emergency Call System. Read more about the difference between retirement villages and Aged Care residences, including what each involves and the requirements for admission.
TriCare has 9 Retirement Living Villages find out more here. You can also find out more about the types of Aged Care in Australia on our website.
Who can decide when to move into Aged Care?
Ideally, decisions should be made jointly between the person requiring care, their family members or carers and their key healthcare provider, usually their GP.
If the loved one person still has capacity, they must express consent to move into a facility. If they’ve lost that capacity, their needs can be assessed by a qualified medical professional who may refer or recommend a suitable Aged Care home to support the person or their enduring power of attorney in making a decision.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted findings that older people need to be supported in making decisions, rather than being directed into care. This issue is a key focus of the current reforms in Australia’s aged care system.
Under the new rights-based Aged Care Act 2024, older people may choose to appoint one or more ‘registered supporters’, trusted individuals such as a family member or friend, to help them understand and communicate their decisions about Aged Care while still retaining the right to make their own decisions.
A registered supporter helps your loved one access and understand information, discusses their care options and communicates their wishes. Registered supporters do not have any decision-making powers for the person, except to the extent that their existing legal arrangements already confer those powers.
These changes are part of the wider Aged Care reforms in Australia that place the person at the centre of decisions about their care.
How long do people usually stay in Aged Care?
The duration someone stays in Aged Care can vary based on their health, care needs and personal circumstances. Some people may only need short-term support, such as Short-Term (respite) care or transitional care after a hospital stay. Others may live in Aged Care for several years.
Entering Aged Care doesn’t mean losing connection with family and friends. Maintaining those relationships plays a vital role in each resident’s emotional wellbeing and happiness. Families and friends are encouraged to visit often, stay involved and share in the daily life of their loved one as much as possible.
How do I have a conversation with my loved one about moving into Aged Care?
The best time to start the conversation about when to go into Aged Care is well before the move is needed. Have a conversation with your loved one about their desires and thoughts regarding the process and do your best to dispel any of their fears and answer any questions they may have. You should discuss the advantages of having round-the-clock support and reassure them about the other beneficial aspects.
When it isn’t possible to have the conversation early, or suddenly it has become necessary to discuss a move into an Aged Care residence, it’s even more important to acknowledge their position on the matter. We encourage you to answer their questions, validate their emotions and generously share information about any upcoming changes. Above all, be compassionate and patient. Moving into residential Aged Care is a big change for everyone involved, but it can be a positive one!
Can I still care for my relative if they go into Aged Care?
Yes, you can. You and the aged care provider will be partners in supporting them to have the best quality of life possible. You know your loved ones best, and you will certainly have crucial personal information about their lifestyle, habits and preferred activities that will assist the residence staff in providing the best individualised care.
How do I know my loved one will be properly looked after in residential Aged Care?
Before moving into residential Aged Care, you should explore the range of options or different facilities available to find the best fit. Work with your loved one to make a list of questions to ask the Aged Care provider. Some questions you might want to ask are:
- What are the rules around visitation?
- Can Aged Care residents go out?
- Can spouses stay together or close by in this facility?
- What types of rooms are available?
- Can my loved one move into a different room if needed?
- What kinds of activities and social opportunities are available?
- What costs are involved?
- What types of meals are available?
- How are dietary requirements provided for?
You don’t have to feel overwhelmed when deciding on the right time for Aged Care. The team at TriCare Aged Care residences is here to help and answer any questions you may have. Book a tour or contact us today.
Support and information are also available online at the Carer Gateway and My Aged Care websites.
