ACQSC + My Aged Care · Canberra

Best Aged Care in Canberra, 2026

19 aged-care providers in Canberra, 2026, ranked by ACQSC star rating (the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission's quality regime introduced December 2022). We flag the things that change the conversation: ownership type (faith-based or community not-for-profit vs the ASX-listed Regis / Estia operators), bed capacity, basic daily fee + Refundable Accommodation Deposit where the home publishes them, dementia-specific and palliative-care availability, and special-needs programs (LGBTI, CALD, Indigenous, Veterans). Verify any provider's current ACQSC rating directly at myagedcare.gov.au. Coverage spans Canberra, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Woden and Ainslie.

19 providers ranked No paid placements ACQSC ratings published
The Health Desk · Editorial team, aged care + dental + plastic surgery + dermatology + weight-loss + psychology · Updated 3 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Which is the best aged care in Canberra?

Our top-ranked aged care in Canberra for 2026 is IRT Kangara Waters — IRT Kangara Waters (Belconnen, Canberra) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. Runners-up: Warrigal Hughes and Jindalee Aged Care Residence. All 19 providers in this guide serve Canberra and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 19 providers profiled in Canberra, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

★Key takeaways

  • ✓Highest ACQSC rating: IRT Kangara Waters (4/5 stars), Belconnen.
  • ✓1 of 19 have ACQSC ratings of 4 or 5 stars; the national average is around 3 stars.
  • ✓17 are not-for-profit (faith-based or community-owned); the rest are for-profit operators.
  • ✓10 offer dedicated dementia-specific care; 9 are palliative-care capable.
  • ✓Published basic daily fees range $66.8–$66.8/day; the means-tested care fee, RAD/DAP and additional services sit on top. Always request a fee letter before signing.

19 Verified Aged Care in Canberra, Ranked

1

IRT Kangara Waters

Not-for-profit (community) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Palliative care Belconnen

IRT Kangara Waters (Belconnen, Canberra) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. ACQSC 4/5 stars. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

$740k

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Palliative.

Specialty programs: Dementia, Palliative.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Belconnen, Canberra. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia, Palliative.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.irt.org.au/aged-care-centres/location/irt-kangara-waters/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

2

Warrigal Hughes

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Hughes

Warrigal Hughes runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from Hughes. 176 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

176

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Best for: Residents needing palliative or end-of-life care

176-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by Warrigal Care Limited.

Provider website →

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

3

Jindalee Aged Care Residence

Private (for-profit) Narrabundah

Jindalee Aged Care Residence operates as a privately-held for-profit operator in Narrabundah, Canberra. 169 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

169

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite.

Best for: Carers needing short-stay respite for a family member

169-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by Johnson Village Services Pty Ltd.

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

4

BaptistCare Griffith

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Griffith

BaptistCare Griffith, in Griffith, is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. 161 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

161

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Best for: Residents needing palliative or end-of-life care

161-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by BaptistCare NSW & ACT.

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

5

Warrigal Care Calwell

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Calwell

Warrigal Care Calwell (Calwell, Canberra) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. 153 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

153

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Best for: Residents needing palliative or end-of-life care

153-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by Warrigal Care Limited.

Provider website →

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

6

Warrigal Care Stirling

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Stirling

Warrigal Care Stirling runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from Stirling. 144 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

144

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Best for: Residents needing palliative or end-of-life care

144-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by Warrigal Care Limited.

Provider website →

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

7

Bill McKenzie Gardens

Not-for-profit (community) Page

Bill McKenzie Gardens operates as a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider in Page, Canberra. 139 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

139

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite.

Best for: Carers needing short-stay respite for a family member

139-bed community-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by RSL LifeCare Limited.

Provider website →

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

8

Pines Living

Private (for-profit) Farrer

Pines Living, in Farrer, is a privately-held for-profit operator. 130 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

130

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite.

Best for: Carers needing short-stay respite for a family member

130-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by Pines Living Pty Ltd.

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

9

Uniting Amala Gordon ACT

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Palliative care Gordon

Uniting Amala Gordon ACT (Gordon, Canberra) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 122 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

122

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Best for: Residents needing palliative or end-of-life care

122-bed faith-based residential aged-care home in Canberra, operated by The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW).

Provider website →

Note: AIHW Aged Care Service List 30 June 2025 (gen-agedcaredata.gov.au). ACQSC star rating, published RAD price, founding year and per-facility ACQSC rating unverified for this entry pending MyAgedCare cross-check.

10

Mountain View Aged Care Centre

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Palliative care Narrabundah

Mountain View Aged Care Centre runs a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider from Narrabundah. 67 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

67

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

$600k

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Specialty programs: Dementia, Palliative.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Narrabundah, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia, Palliative.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/locations/australian-capital-territory/amvh/mountain-view-aged-care-centre/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

11

Goodwin House Ainslie

Not-for-profit (community) Ainslie

Goodwin House Ainslie operates as a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider in Ainslie, Canberra.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Home care packages.

Specialty programs: Palliative.

Best for: Families preferring community-owned over corporate operators

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Ainslie, Canberra. Specialist programs: Palliative.

02 6175 5061

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://goodwin.org.au/residential-care/goodwin-house-ainslie/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

12

George Sautelle House

Not-for-profit (community) Dementia-specific Farrer

George Sautelle House, in Farrer, is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Home care packages.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Farrer, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia.

02 6175 5128

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://goodwin.org.au/residential-care/george-sautelle-house-farrer/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

13

David Harper House

Not-for-profit (community) Dementia-specific Monash

David Harper House (Monash, Canberra) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Home care packages.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Monash, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia.

02 6175 7375

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://goodwin.org.au/residential-care/david-harper-house-monash/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

14

BaptistCare Carey Gardens

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Palliative care Red Hill

BaptistCare Carey Gardens runs a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider from Red Hill. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

$719k

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Specialty programs: Dementia, Palliative.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Red Hill, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia, Palliative.

1300 275 227

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://baptistcare.org.au/centre/baptistcare-carey-gardens/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

15

Uniting Mirinjani Weston

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Weston

Uniting Mirinjani Weston operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Weston, Canberra. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Weston, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.uniting.org/services/aged-care-services/facility/uniting-mirinjani-weston-act). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

16

Uniting Eabrai Weston

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Weston

Uniting Eabrai Weston, in Weston, is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Weston, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.uniting.org/services/aged-care-services/facility/uniting-eabrai-weston). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

17

Calvary Haydon Retirement Community

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Palliative care Bruce

Calvary Haydon Retirement Community (Bruce, Canberra) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

$697k

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite, Palliative.

Specialty programs: Dementia, Palliative.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Bruce, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia, Palliative.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.calvarycare.org.au/residential-aged-and-respite-care/calvary-haydon-canberra-act). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

18

Southern Cross Care Campbell

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Campbell

Southern Cross Care Campbell runs a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider from Campbell. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

$750k

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Campbell, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.caringco.com.au/providers/southern-cross-care-campbell). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

19

Southern Cross Care Ozanam Residential Aged Care

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Garran

Southern Cross Care Ozanam Residential Aged Care operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Garran, Canberra. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Respite.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Garran, Canberra. Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/services/southern-cross-care-ozanam-residential-aged-care). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

Aged Care in Canberra, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅ Suburb ⇅ Ownership ⇅ ACQSC ⇅ Beds ⇅ Daily fee from ⇅
IRT Kangara Waters BelconnenNFP (community)4/5-On enquiry
Warrigal Hughes HughesNFP (community)Not yet rated176$66.8
Jindalee Aged Care Residence NarrabundahPrivateNot yet rated169$66.8
BaptistCare Griffith GriffithNFP (community)Not yet rated161$66.8
Warrigal Care Calwell CalwellNFP (community)Not yet rated153$66.8
Warrigal Care Stirling StirlingNFP (community)Not yet rated144$66.8
Bill McKenzie Gardens PageNFP (community)Not yet rated139$66.8
Pines Living FarrerPrivateNot yet rated130$66.8
Uniting Amala Gordon ACT GordonNFP (faith)Not yet rated122$66.8
Mountain View Aged Care Centre NarrabundahNFP (faith)Not yet rated67On enquiry
Goodwin House Ainslie AinslieNFP (community)Not yet rated-On enquiry
George Sautelle House FarrerNFP (community)Not yet rated-On enquiry
David Harper House MonashNFP (community)Not yet rated-On enquiry
BaptistCare Carey Gardens Red HillNFP (faith)Not yet rated-On enquiry
Uniting Mirinjani Weston WestonNFP (faith)Not yet rated-On enquiry
Uniting Eabrai Weston WestonNFP (faith)Not yet rated-On enquiry
Calvary Haydon Retirement Community BruceNFP (faith)Not yet rated-On enquiry
Southern Cross Care Campbell CampbellNFP (faith)Not yet rated-On enquiry
Southern Cross Care Ozanam Residential Aged Care GarranNFP (faith)Not yet rated-On enquiry

Pricing and availability data checked against public sources at time of publication. We do not host first-party reviews; star ratings have been removed from this directory pending a moderated review-collection process.

Aged-care RAD prices in Canberra, by band

Premium · $750k+

1 home — e.g. Southern Cross Care Campbell

Upper · $550k–750k

4 homes — e.g. IRT Kangara Waters, Mountain View Aged Care Centre, BaptistCare Carey Gardens

Work out your own fees with the means-test calculator →

Canberra aged care by type of care

Dementia & memory care in Canberra

Respite care in Canberra

Palliative care in Canberra

Canberra aged care: not-for-profit vs private

Not-for-profit aged care in Canberra

Private & listed operators in Canberra

Aged-care homes in Canberra, by suburb

SuburbHomesACQSC
Narrabundah Jindalee Aged Care Residence, Mountain View Aged Care Centre —
Farrer Pines Living, George Sautelle House —
Weston Uniting Mirinjani Weston, Uniting Eabrai Weston —
Belconnen IRT Kangara Waters 4★
Hughes Warrigal Hughes —
Griffith BaptistCare Griffith —
Calwell Warrigal Care Calwell —
Stirling Warrigal Care Stirling —

How we rank aged care in Canberra

We rank aged-care providers on objective, publicly verifiable signals — never on star reviews, which we do not collect. The strongest signal is the ACQSC star rating (the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission's regime, weighted compliance 40%, residents' experience 33%, staffing 15%, quality measures 12%), followed by bed capacity and stability, ownership type, fee transparency (published basic daily fee and RAD), and dementia / palliative care availability. Verify any provider's current rating at myagedcare.gov.au. Best Aged Care Australia does not accept payment to feature or rank providers.

Get a free shortlist of aged-care homes that fit

Choosing a home for a parent is hard, and the system is genuinely confusing. Tell us what's needed and we'll hand-pick a shortlist of Canberra aged-care homes that genuinely fit — by location, care level and budget — and connect you with a placement specialist if you want one. Free, and we'll never sell your details or pester you.

We're an independent guide — not a home or a sales agency — and your details just help us match you and a placement specialist to homes that fit. We'll never sell your data or pressure you. Privacy Policy.

Common questions

FAQs: aged care in Canberra

Where can I find genuine reviews of Canberra aged-care homes?

Australia does not have a trusted consumer star-review system for aged care, and we do not publish first-party star ratings. The closest authoritative quality signal is the ACQSC star rating on myagedcare.gov.au, which includes a Residents' Experience component drawn from face-to-face interviews with residents (weighted 33% of the overall star rating). Read the full quality-indicator and resident-experience breakdown for each home on My Aged Care, and visit in person twice before deciding — ratings are a quarterly snapshot, not a substitute for a tour.

How much does aged care cost in Canberra in 2026?

Every resident pays the federally-regulated basic daily fee of $66.80/day (March 2026), plus a means-tested care fee based on income and assets, plus accommodation: either a lump-sum Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or an equivalent Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) at the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate. RADs in Canberra commonly range from $400,000 to $900,000+. Always request a written fee letter and check the home's published RAD on myagedcare.gov.au before signing.

How do I choose between aged-care homes in Canberra?

Tour each home at least twice (once at meal time, once mid-afternoon), check the latest ACQSC accreditation report and star rating, and ask about 24/7 registered-nurse coverage and care minutes per resident per day (the federal target is 215 minutes, including 44 minutes of RN time). Talk to current residents' families — they're the most honest reference. A free placement consultant can also identify current vacancies and negotiate the RAD.

How much is the RAD for aged care in Canberra?

Among the Canberra aged-care homes we list with a published price, Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs) centre around $719,000, typically ranging from under $400,000 to $750,000+. The RAD is fully refundable when the resident leaves or passes away. You can instead pay an equivalent Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) at the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate, or split the two. Always confirm the current RAD on myagedcare.gov.au and request a written accommodation agreement before signing — RADs are often negotiable.

Which Canberra aged-care homes offer dementia care?

Canberra homes we cover with dementia or secure memory support include IRT Kangara Waters, Warrigal Hughes, Jindalee Aged Care Residence, BaptistCare Griffith. Secure dementia units are locked, dementia-specific wings with higher staffing and design that prevents wandering; eligibility runs through an ACAT assessment via My Aged Care (1800 200 422). Costs mirror standard residential care. Dementia-specific beds can have longer waits, so it's worth enquiring early.

How do I get an ACAT assessment for my parent?

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. The assessment is free and conducted by a qualified team (usually a nurse or social worker) at your parent's home. It takes 1-2 hours and determines what level of care they're eligible for — Home Care Package levels, residential aged care, respite, or transition care. You'll receive a referral code by post within 2-4 weeks. Without an ACAT code, you cannot access subsidised aged care services.

How much does aged care cost in Australia in 2026?

Residential aged care costs include a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) of $400k-$1.2M (returned when you leave), the Basic Daily Care Fee of $61.96/day (paid by everyone), a means-tested care fee of 0-$32,718/year based on income and assets, and optional extra services fees. Total annual cost ranges from $30,000 (low-means residents) to $90,000+ (premium homes). In-home care via Home Care Packages is much cheaper: $7,500-$61,000/year depending on level.

What is the difference between low-care and high-care?

These categories were abolished in 2014. Aged care homes now offer a mix of care levels and adjust as residents' needs change. Your level of subsidy is determined by the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) assessment done after admission. This means you don't need to move homes if your mum's needs increase — the same home will provide more support and the government subsidy will increase accordingly.

How long does it take to get into an aged care home?

In metropolitan Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, most homes have vacancies and placement can occur within 1-4 weeks of an ACAT assessment being completed. Premium homes in inner suburbs may have 3-12 month waitlists. Regional homes are typically faster (1-2 weeks). Specialist dementia care units are slower (4-12 weeks) due to limited bed numbers. If urgent placement is needed, a placement service can identify homes with same-week vacancies.

Will Centrelink fund aged care?

The government heavily subsidises aged care through the Aged Care Subsidy. The amount depends on a means assessment of your parent's income and assets. Low-means residents pay only the Basic Daily Care Fee ($61.96/day) and have their accommodation costs covered. Higher-means residents pay more, including a means-tested care fee up to $32,718/year and full accommodation costs (RAD or daily payment). Services Australia conducts the means assessment — submit forms SA457 (income) and SA485 (assets).

Other aged care city rankings

Independent aged care rankings, by Australian city.

Best aged care in Melbourne

VIC

Best aged care in Sydney

NSW

Best aged care in Brisbane

QLD

Best aged care in Perth

WA

Best aged care in Adelaide

SA

Best aged care in Hobart

TAS

Best aged care in Darwin

NT

Best aged care in Gold Coast

QLD

Best aged care in Newcastle

NSW

Best aged care in Wollongong

NSW

Best aged care in Geelong

VIC
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