ACQSC + My Aged Care · Geelong

Best Aged Care in Geelong, 2026

17 aged-care providers in Geelong, 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 Geelong, Highton, Grovedale, Leopold, Lara and Drysdale.

17 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 Geelong?

Our top-ranked aged care in Geelong for 2026 is Bupa Bellarine Lakes — Bupa Bellarine Lakes (Moolap, Geelong) is a privately-held for-profit operator. Runners-up: Kardinia Parkside Care Community and Baptcare Coasthaven Community. All 17 providers in this guide serve Geelong and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

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

Key takeaways

  • Highest ACQSC rating: Bupa Bellarine Lakes (4/5 stars), Moolap.
  • 4 of 17 have ACQSC ratings of 4 or 5 stars; the national average is around 3 stars.
  • 9 are not-for-profit (faith-based or community-owned); the rest are for-profit operators.
  • 8 offer dedicated dementia-specific care; 8 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 Geelong, Ranked

1
Private (for-profit) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Palliative care Moolap

Bupa Bellarine Lakes (Moolap, Geelong) is a privately-held for-profit operator. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 126 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

126

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

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

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Private residential aged-care home in Moolap, Geelong. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

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

2
Private (for-profit) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Palliative care Geelong

Kardinia Parkside Care Community runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Geelong. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 104 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

104

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

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

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Private residential aged-care home in Geelong, Geelong. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/59r13h1-dpg-services-pty-ltd/aged-care-homes/kardinia-parkside-care-community-5tv88swvw9). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

3
Not-for-profit (faith-based) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Palliative care Norlane

Baptcare Coasthaven Community operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Norlane, Geelong. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 90 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

90

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

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

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Norlane, Geelong. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/hfxwd32w-baptcare-ltd/aged-care-homes/baptcare-coasthaven-community-p1pvgl486). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

4
Not-for-profit (faith-based) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Belmont

Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community, Nangatta, in Belmont, is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 51 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

51

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 Belmont, Geelong. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

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

5
Private (for-profit) ACQSC 3/5 Dementia-specific Belmont

The Belmont Residential Aged Care (Belmont, Geelong) is a privately-held for-profit operator. ACQSC 3/5 stars. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★☆☆

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

Private residential aged-care home in Belmont, Geelong. ACQSC overall rating 3 stars (Acceptable). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/n11b51lj-western-residential-aged-care-pty-ltd/aged-care-homes/the-belmont-residential-aged-care-32m2bcz5). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

6
Private (for-profit) Wallington

Homestead Estate Residential Aged Care runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Wallington. 260 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

260

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

260-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by The Leaper Corporation 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.

7
Government North Geelong

McKellar Centre operates as a government-funded aged-care provider in North Geelong, Geelong. 193 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

193

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

193-bed government-operated residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by Barwon Health.

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
Private (for-profit) Armstrong Creek

Warralily Gardens, in Armstrong Creek, is a privately-held for-profit operator. 180 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

180

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

180-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by Western Residential Aged Care 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
Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Grovedale

Luson The Vue (Grovedale, Geelong) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. 120 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

120

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

120-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by Luson Aged Care 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.

10
Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Grovedale

Calvary Balmoral Grove runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from Grovedale. 110 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

110

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

110-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by Calvary Aged Care Limited.

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.

11
Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Lara

Costa House operates as a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider in Lara, Geelong. 101 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

101

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

101-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by Respect Group Limited.

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.

12
Not-for-profit (faith-based) Marshall

Mercy Place Rice Village, in Marshall, is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 92 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

92

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care.

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

92-bed faith-based residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by Rice 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.

13
Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Palliative care Grovedale

Belmont Grange (Grovedale, Geelong) is a privately-held for-profit operator. 86 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

86

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

$450k

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

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Private residential aged-care home in Grovedale, Geelong. Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://homestyleagedcare.com.au/our-homes/belmont-grange/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

14
Not-for-profit (community) Dementia-specific North Geelong

Multicultural Aged Care Services Geelong (Cultura) runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from North Geelong. 84 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

84

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

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

Specialty programs: CALD, Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in North Geelong, Geelong. Specialist programs: CALD, Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/l8ndw2bz-multicultural-aged-care-services-geelong). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

15
Government Grovedale

Alan David Lodge operates as a government-funded aged-care provider in Grovedale, Geelong. 76 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

76

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care.

Best for: Families wanting upfront fee transparency before a tour

76-bed government-operated residential aged-care home in Geelong, operated by Barwon Health.

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.

16
Not-for-profit (faith-based) St Albans Park

Calvary Roccoco, in St Albans Park, is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care, Respite.

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

Faith-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in St Albans Park, Geelong.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/4j8wt0r515-calvary-aged-care-limited/aged-care-homes/calvary-roccoco-524mwvgwxf). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

17
Not-for-profit (community) Dementia-specific Palliative care Hamlyn Heights

mecwacare Elstoft House (Hamlyn Heights, Geelong) 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, Respite, Palliative.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Hamlyn Heights, Geelong. Specialist programs: Dementia.

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

Aged Care in Geelong, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider Suburb Ownership ACQSC Beds Daily fee from
Bupa Bellarine Lakes MoolapPrivate4/5126On enquiry
Kardinia Parkside Care Community GeelongPrivate4/5104On enquiry
Baptcare Coasthaven Community NorlaneNFP (faith)4/590On enquiry
Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community, Nangatta BelmontNFP (faith)4/551On enquiry
The Belmont Residential Aged Care BelmontPrivate3/5-On enquiry
Homestead Estate Residential Aged Care WallingtonPrivateNot yet rated260$66.8
McKellar Centre North GeelongGovernmentNot yet rated193$66.8
Warralily Gardens Armstrong CreekPrivateNot yet rated180$66.8
Luson The Vue GrovedaleNFP (community)Not yet rated120$66.8
Calvary Balmoral Grove GrovedaleNFP (community)Not yet rated110$66.8
Costa House LaraNFP (community)Not yet rated101$66.8
Mercy Place Rice Village MarshallNFP (faith)Not yet rated92$66.8
Belmont Grange GrovedalePrivateNot yet rated86On enquiry
Multicultural Aged Care Services Geelong (Cultura) North GeelongNFP (community)Not yet rated84On enquiry
Alan David Lodge GrovedaleGovernmentNot yet rated76$66.8
Calvary Roccoco St Albans ParkNFP (faith)Not yet rated-On enquiry
mecwacare Elstoft House Hamlyn HeightsNFP (community)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 Geelong, by band

Mid-range · $400k–550k

1 home — e.g. Belmont Grange

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

Geelong aged care by type of care

Dementia & memory care in Geelong

Respite care in Geelong

Palliative care in Geelong

Geelong aged care: not-for-profit vs private

Aged-care homes in Geelong, by suburb

SuburbHomesACQSC
Grovedale Luson The Vue, Calvary Balmoral Grove, Belmont Grange, Alan David Lodge
Belmont Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community, Nangatta, The Belmont Residential Aged Care 3–4★
North Geelong McKellar Centre, Multicultural Aged Care Services Geelong (Cultura)
Moolap Bupa Bellarine Lakes 4★
Geelong Kardinia Parkside Care Community 4★
Norlane Baptcare Coasthaven Community 4★
Wallington Homestead Estate Residential Aged Care
Armstrong Creek Warralily Gardens

How we rank aged care in Geelong

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 Geelong 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 Geelong

Where can I find genuine reviews of Geelong 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 Geelong 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 Geelong 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 Geelong?

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 Geelong?

Among the Geelong aged-care homes we list with a published price, Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs) centre around $450,000, 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 Geelong aged-care homes offer dementia care?

Geelong homes we cover with dementia or secure memory support include Bupa Bellarine Lakes, Kardinia Parkside Care Community, Baptcare Coasthaven Community, Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community, Nangatta. 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).