ACQSC + My Aged Care · Central Coast

Best Aged Care in Central Coast, 2026

There's no single "best" or "number one" aged-care home in Central Coast — the right one depends entirely on the person: their care needs, where family can visit, the budget, and whether they need dementia, respite or palliative care. So rather than pretend one home wins for everyone, we rank the 17 Central Coast homes we cover by their official ACQSC star rating (the government's quality regime) and show what actually changes the decision: the rating breakdown, ownership type (faith-based or community not-for-profit vs ASX-listed Regis / Estia operators), the basic daily fee + Refundable Accommodation Deposit where published, and dementia, respite, palliative and cultural / LGBTI options. Start free with My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, and always verify a home's current rating at myagedcare.gov.au. Coverage spans Central Coast, Gosford, East Gosford, West Gosford, Terrigal and Woy Woy.

17 providers ranked No paid placements ACQSC ratings published
The Health Desk · Editorial team, aged care + dental + plastic surgery + dermatology + weight-loss + psychology · Updated 6 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Which is the best aged care in Central Coast?

Our top-ranked aged care in Central Coast for 2026 is RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village — RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village (Lake Haven, Central Coast) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. Runners-up: Peninsula Villages Ltd and Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay. All 17 providers in this guide serve Central Coast and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 17 providers profiled in Central Coast, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

★Key takeaways

  • ✓Highest ACQSC rating: RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village (4/5 stars), Lake Haven.
  • ✓1 of 17 have ACQSC ratings of 4 or 5 stars; the national average is around 3 stars.
  • ✓12 are not-for-profit (faith-based or community-owned); the rest are for-profit operators.
  • ✓9 offer dedicated dementia-specific care; 6 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.

17 Verified Aged Care in Central Coast, Ranked

1

RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village

Not-for-profit (community) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Lake Haven

RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village (Lake Haven, Central Coast) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 65 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

65

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

$442k

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

Specialty programs: Dementia, Secure memory support unit (Stapleton House).

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Lake Haven, Central Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia, Secure memory support unit (Stapleton House).

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/services/rfbi-lake-haven-masonic-village). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

2

Peninsula Villages Ltd

Not-for-profit (community) Umina Beach

Peninsula Villages Ltd runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from Umina Beach. 314 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

314

Basic daily fee

$66.8/day

RAD from

Not published

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

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

314-bed community-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Central Coast, operated by Peninsula Village 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.

3

Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Palliative care Bateau Bay

Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Bateau Bay, Central Coast. 195 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

195

Basic daily fee

$66.8/day

RAD from

Not published

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

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

195-bed faith-based residential aged-care home in Central Coast, 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.

4

Killarney Vale Care Community

Private (for-profit) Killarney Vale

Killarney Vale Care Community, in Killarney Vale, is a privately-held for-profit operator. 162 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

162

Basic daily fee

$66.8/day

RAD from

Not published

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

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

162-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Central Coast, operated by DPG 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.

5

Berkeley Vale Care Community

Private (for-profit) Berkeley Vale

Berkeley Vale Care Community (Berkeley Vale, Central Coast) is a privately-held for-profit operator. 160 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

160

Basic daily fee

$66.8/day

RAD from

Not published

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

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

160-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Central Coast, operated by DPG 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.

6

Woodport Aged Care Plus Centre

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Erina

Woodport Aged Care Plus Centre runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from Erina. 140 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

140

Basic daily fee

$66.8/day

RAD from

Not published

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

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

140-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Central Coast, operated by The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust.

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

Woodport Aged Care Centre

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

Woodport Aged Care Centre operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Erina, Central Coast. 140 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

140

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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

Specialty programs: Dementia / memory support, Salvation Army spiritual care.

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

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Erina, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia / memory support, Salvation Army spiritual care.

1300 111 227

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

8

BaptistCare Bethshan Gardens Centre

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Wyee

BaptistCare Bethshan Gardens Centre, in Wyee, is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. 139 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

139

Basic daily fee

$66.8/day

RAD from

Not published

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

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

139-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Central Coast, 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.

9

BaptistCare Orana Centre

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

BaptistCare Orana Centre (Point Clare, Central Coast) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 128 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

128

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

$610k

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

Specialty programs: Dementia, Chaplaincy/spiritual care.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Point Clare, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Chaplaincy/spiritual care.

(02) 4337 5400

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

10

Arcare Kanwal

Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Kanwal

Arcare Kanwal runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Kanwal. 128 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

128

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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

Specialty programs: Dementia, Secure memory support unit.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Private residential aged-care home in Kanwal, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Secure memory support unit.

Verify on My Aged Care ↗

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/fm7jw9-arcare-pty-ltd/aged-care-homes/arcare-kanwal-fyymdcdqz). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

11

Southern Cross Care Reynolds Court Residential Aged Care

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Bateau Bay

Southern Cross Care Reynolds Court Residential Aged Care operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Bateau Bay, Central Coast. 80 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

80

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

Services: Residential aged care.

Specialty programs: Catholic/spiritual care.

Best for: Families wanting a faith-aligned not-for-profit

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Bateau Bay, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Catholic/spiritual care.

1800 632 314

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.sccliving.org.au/our-services/residential-aged-care/find-a-community/reynolds-court-residential-aged-care). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

12

HammondCare Erina

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

HammondCare Erina, in Erina, is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 74 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

74

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific, Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP).

Specialty programs: Dementia, Severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Erina, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Verify on My Aged Care ↗

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/hw0358x-hammondcare/aged-care-homes/hammondcare-erina-36844xtt44). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

13

Anglican Care Warnervale Gardens

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

Anglican Care Warnervale Gardens (Woongarrah, Central Coast) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 66 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

66

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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

Specialty programs: Dementia, Chapel/spiritual care.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Woongarrah, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Chapel/spiritual care.

1800 733 553

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

14

Catholic Healthcare Our Lady of Loreto Gardens

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Hamlyn Terrace

Catholic Healthcare Our Lady of Loreto Gardens runs a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider from Hamlyn Terrace. 60 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

60

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific.

Specialty programs: Dementia, Secure dementia wing, Catholic/spiritual care.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Hamlyn Terrace, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Secure dementia wing, Catholic/spiritual care.

1800 225 474

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/services/catholic-healthcare-our-lady-loreto-gardens). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

15

Estia Health Norah Head

Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Norah Head

Estia Health Norah Head operates as a privately-held for-profit operator in Norah Head, Central Coast. 53 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

53

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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

Specialty programs: Dementia, Secure garden.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Private residential aged-care home in Norah Head, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Secure garden.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/services/aurrum-norah-head-0234). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

16

Bupa Bateau Bay

Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Palliative care Bateau Bay

Bupa Bateau Bay, in Bateau Bay, is a privately-held for-profit operator. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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

Specialty programs: Dementia, Secure dementia support community.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Private residential aged-care home in Bateau Bay, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Secure dementia support community.

(02) 4345 3200

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.bupaagedcare.com.au/aged-care-homes/bupa-bateau-bay). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

17

Uniting Nareen Gardens Lodge Bateau Bay

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Dementia-specific Bateau Bay

Uniting Nareen Gardens Lodge Bateau Bay (Bateau Bay, Central Coast) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

$570k

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific.

Specialty programs: Dementia, Cognitive impairment, LGBTI-inclusive (Uniting).

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Bateau Bay, Central Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia, Cognitive impairment, LGBTI-inclusive (Uniting).

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

Aged Care in Central Coast, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅ Suburb ⇅ Ownership ⇅ ACQSC ⇅ Beds ⇅ Daily fee from ⇅
RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village Lake HavenNFP (community)4/565On enquiry
Peninsula Villages Ltd Umina BeachNFP (community)Not yet rated314$66.8
Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay Bateau BayNFP (faith)Not yet rated195$66.8
Killarney Vale Care Community Killarney ValePrivateNot yet rated162$66.8
Berkeley Vale Care Community Berkeley ValePrivateNot yet rated160$66.8
Woodport Aged Care Plus Centre ErinaNFP (community)Not yet rated140$66.8
Woodport Aged Care Centre ErinaNFP (faith)Not yet rated140On enquiry
BaptistCare Bethshan Gardens Centre WyeeNFP (community)Not yet rated139$66.8
BaptistCare Orana Centre Point ClareNFP (faith)Not yet rated128On enquiry
Arcare Kanwal KanwalPrivateNot yet rated128On enquiry
Southern Cross Care Reynolds Court Residential Aged Care Bateau BayNFP (faith)Not yet rated80On enquiry
HammondCare Erina ErinaNFP (faith)Not yet rated74On enquiry
Anglican Care Warnervale Gardens WoongarrahNFP (faith)Not yet rated66On enquiry
Catholic Healthcare Our Lady of Loreto Gardens Hamlyn TerraceNFP (faith)Not yet rated60On enquiry
Estia Health Norah Head Norah HeadPrivateNot yet rated53On enquiry
Bupa Bateau Bay Bateau BayPrivateNot yet rated-On enquiry
Uniting Nareen Gardens Lodge Bateau Bay Bateau BayNFP (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 Central Coast, by band

Upper · $550k–750k

2 homes — e.g. BaptistCare Orana Centre, Uniting Nareen Gardens Lodge Bateau Bay

Mid-range · $400k–550k

1 home — e.g. RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village

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

Central Coast aged care by type of care

Dementia & memory care in Central Coast

Respite care in Central Coast

Palliative care in Central Coast

Central Coast aged care: not-for-profit vs private

Not-for-profit aged care in Central Coast

Private & listed operators in Central Coast

Aged-care homes in Central Coast, by suburb

SuburbHomesACQSC
Bateau Bay Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay, Southern Cross Care Reynolds Court Residential Aged Care, Bupa Bateau Bay, Uniting Nareen Gardens Lodge Bateau Bay —
Erina Woodport Aged Care Plus Centre, Woodport Aged Care Centre, HammondCare Erina —
Lake Haven RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village 4★
Umina Beach Peninsula Villages Ltd —
Killarney Vale Killarney Vale Care Community —
Berkeley Vale Berkeley Vale Care Community —
Wyee BaptistCare Bethshan Gardens Centre —
Point Clare BaptistCare Orana Centre —

How we rank aged care in Central Coast

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 Central Coast 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 Central Coast

Where can I find genuine reviews of Central Coast 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 Central Coast 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 Central Coast 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 Central Coast?

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 Central Coast?

Among the Central Coast aged-care homes we list with a published price, Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs) centre around $570,000, 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 Central Coast aged-care homes offer dementia care?

Central Coast homes we cover with dementia or secure memory support include RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village, Peninsula Villages Ltd, Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay, Killarney Vale Care Community. 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 Canberra

ACT

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
All city rankings → · Guides → · How we rank →