ACQSC + My Aged Care · Gold Coast

Best Aged Care in Gold Coast, 2026

22 aged-care providers in Gold Coast, 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 Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Robina, Southport and Palm Beach.

22 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 Gold Coast?

Our top-ranked aged care in Gold Coast for 2026 is Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility — Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility (Southport, Gold Coast) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. Runners-up: Carinity Cedarbrook and Bupa Merrimac. All 22 providers in this guide serve Gold Coast and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 22 providers profiled in Gold Coast, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

★Key takeaways

  • ✓Highest ACQSC rating: Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility (4/5 stars), Southport.
  • ✓6 of 22 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.
  • ✓11 offer dedicated dementia-specific care; 10 are palliative-care capable.
  • ✓Published basic daily fees range $66.8–$210/day; the means-tested care fee, RAD/DAP and additional services sit on top. Always request a fee letter before signing.

22 Verified Aged Care in Gold Coast, Ranked

1

Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility

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

Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility (Southport, Gold Coast) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 115 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

115

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 Southport, Gold Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://ozcare.org.au/aged-care-facilities/facilities/de-paul-villa/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

2

Carinity Cedarbrook

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

Carinity Cedarbrook runs a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider from Mudgeeraba. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 96 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

96

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 Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

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

3

Bupa Merrimac

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

Bupa Merrimac operates as a privately-held for-profit operator in Merrimac, Gold Coast. ACQSC 4/5 stars. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

On enquiry

RAD from

$650k

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 Merrimac, Gold Coast. 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-merrimac). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

4

Regis Magnolia

ASX-listed (for-profit) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Palliative care Upper Coomera

Regis Magnolia, in Upper Coomera, is a ASX-listed for-profit operator. ACQSC 4/5 stars. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

$132/day

RAD from

$608k

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

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Asx-listed residential aged-care home in Upper Coomera, Gold Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.agedcarequickstart.com.au/ressvcs/profile/53016/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

5

Estia Health Gold Coast

Private (for-profit) ACQSC 4/5 Palliative care Southport

Estia Health Gold Coast (Southport, Gold Coast) is a privately-held for-profit operator. ACQSC 4/5 stars. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

$127/day

RAD from

$585k

Services: Residential aged care, Respite, Palliative.

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

Private residential aged-care home in Southport, Gold Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good).

Verify on My Aged Care ↗

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/hffg9x32-estia-investments-pty-ltd/aged-care-homes/estia-health-gold-coast-ml3shnfnn). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

6

Bolton Clarke The Terraces

Not-for-profit (community) ACQSC 4/5 Dementia-specific Varsity Lakes

Bolton Clarke The Terraces runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from Varsity Lakes. ACQSC 4/5 stars. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Not stated

Daily fee from

$210/day

RAD from

$967k

Services: Residential aged care, Dementia-specific.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

Community not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.agedcarequickstart.com.au/ressvcs/profile/52333/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

7

Bupa Runaway Bay

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

Bupa Runaway Bay operates as a privately-held for-profit operator in Runaway Bay, Gold Coast. 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 Runaway Bay, Gold Coast. ACQSC overall rating 3 stars (Acceptable). Specialist programs: Dementia.

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

8

Bethania Parklands Care Community

Private (for-profit) Bethania

Bethania Parklands Care Community, in Bethania, is a privately-held for-profit operator. 178 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

178

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

178-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Gold 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.

9

TriCare Cypress Gardens Aged Care Residence

Private (for-profit) Clear Island Waters

TriCare Cypress Gardens Aged Care Residence (Clear Island Waters, Gold Coast) is a privately-held for-profit operator. 166 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

166

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

166-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by TRICARE DUDLEY ST 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

Bupa Tugun

Private (for-profit) Tugun

Bupa Tugun runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Tugun. 166 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

166

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

166-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by Bupa Aged Care Australia Pty Ltd.

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.

11

Blue Care Labrador Aged Care Facility

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

Blue Care Labrador Aged Care Facility operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Labrador, Gold Coast. 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 faith-based residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q.).

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

Infinite Care Ashmore

Private (for-profit) Ashmore

Infinite Care Ashmore, in Ashmore, is a privately-held for-profit operator. 157 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

157

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

157-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by Shalimah Aust 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.

13

Lions Haven For The Aged

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Hope Island

Lions Haven For The Aged (Hope Island, Gold Coast) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. 121 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

121

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

121-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by Lions Haven for the Aged 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.

14

Arcare Hope Island

Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Hope Island

Arcare Hope Island runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Hope Island. 120 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

120

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

Private residential aged-care home in Hope Island, Gold Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia.

1300 272 273

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://arcare.com.au/residence-location/hope-island/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

15

De Paul Villa Aged Care

Not-for-profit (community) Palliative care Ashmore

De Paul Villa Aged Care operates as a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider in Ashmore, Gold Coast. 115 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

115

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

115-bed charitable not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by Ozcare.

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.

16

St Vincent’s Care Services Southport

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Southport

St Vincent’s Care Services Southport, in Southport, is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 94 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

94

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care.

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

94-bed faith-based residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by St Vincent’s Care Services Ltd.

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.

17

Arcare Helensvale

Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Helensvale

Arcare Helensvale (Helensvale, Gold Coast) is a privately-held for-profit operator. 72 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

72

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

Private residential aged-care home in Helensvale, Gold Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia.

1300 272 273

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://arcare.com.au/residence-location/helensvale/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

18

Blue Care Kirra Aged Care Facility

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Coolangatta

Blue Care Kirra Aged Care Facility runs a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider from Coolangatta. 70 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

70

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care.

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

70-bed faith-based residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q.).

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.

19

Blue Care Arundel Woodlands Lodge Aged Care Facility

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Arundel

Blue Care Arundel Woodlands Lodge Aged Care Facility operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Arundel, Gold Coast. 69 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

69

Daily fee from

$66.8/day

RAD from

On enquiry

Services: Residential aged care.

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

69-bed faith-based residential aged-care home in Gold Coast, operated by The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q.).

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.

20

TriCare Mermaid Beach Aged Care Residence

Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Palliative care Mermaid Beach

TriCare Mermaid Beach Aged Care Residence, in Mermaid Beach, is a privately-held for-profit operator. 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

Private residential aged-care home in Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia.

1300 874 273

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.tricare.com.au/aged-care/gold-coast/mermaid-beach-aged-care-residence/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

21

TriCare Bayview Place Aged Care Residence

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

TriCare Bayview Place Aged Care Residence (Runaway Bay, Gold Coast) is a privately-held for-profit operator. 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

Private residential aged-care home in Runaway Bay, Gold Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia.

1300 874 273

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.tricare.com.au/aged-care/gold-coast/bayview-place-aged-care-residence/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

22

TriCare Labrador Aged Care Residence

Private (for-profit) Dementia-specific Palliative care Biggera Waters

TriCare Labrador Aged Care Residence runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Biggera Waters. 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

Private residential aged-care home in Biggera Waters, Gold Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia.

1300 874 273

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.tricare.com.au/aged-care/gold-coast/labrador-aged-care-residence/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

Aged Care in Gold Coast, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅ Suburb ⇅ Ownership ⇅ ACQSC ⇅ Beds ⇅ Daily fee from ⇅
Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility SouthportNFP (faith)4/5115On enquiry
Carinity Cedarbrook MudgeerabaNFP (faith)4/596On enquiry
Bupa Merrimac MerrimacPrivate4/5-On enquiry
Regis Magnolia Upper CoomeraASX-listed4/5-$132
Estia Health Gold Coast SouthportPrivate4/5-$127
Bolton Clarke The Terraces Varsity LakesNFP (community)4/5-$210
Bupa Runaway Bay Runaway BayPrivate3/5-On enquiry
Bethania Parklands Care Community BethaniaPrivateNot yet rated178$66.8
TriCare Cypress Gardens Aged Care Residence Clear Island WatersPrivateNot yet rated166$66.8
Bupa Tugun TugunPrivateNot yet rated166$66.8
Blue Care Labrador Aged Care Facility LabradorNFP (faith)Not yet rated161$66.8
Infinite Care Ashmore AshmorePrivateNot yet rated157$66.8
Lions Haven For The Aged Hope IslandNFP (community)Not yet rated121$66.8
Arcare Hope Island Hope IslandPrivateNot yet rated120On enquiry
De Paul Villa Aged Care AshmoreNFP (community)Not yet rated115$66.8
St Vincent’s Care Services Southport SouthportNFP (faith)Not yet rated94$66.8
Arcare Helensvale HelensvalePrivateNot yet rated72On enquiry
Blue Care Kirra Aged Care Facility CoolangattaNFP (faith)Not yet rated70$66.8
Blue Care Arundel Woodlands Lodge Aged Care Facility ArundelNFP (faith)Not yet rated69$66.8
TriCare Mermaid Beach Aged Care Residence Mermaid BeachPrivateNot yet rated-On enquiry
TriCare Bayview Place Aged Care Residence Runaway BayPrivateNot yet rated-On enquiry
TriCare Labrador Aged Care Residence Biggera WatersPrivateNot 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 Gold Coast, by band

Premium · $750k+

1 home — e.g. Bolton Clarke The Terraces

Upper · $550k–750k

3 homes — e.g. Bupa Merrimac, Regis Magnolia, Estia Health Gold Coast

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

Gold Coast aged care by type of care

Dementia & memory care in Gold Coast

Respite care in Gold Coast

Palliative care in Gold Coast

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

Not-for-profit aged care in Gold Coast

Private & listed operators in Gold Coast

Aged-care homes in Gold Coast, by suburb

SuburbHomesACQSC
Southport Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility, Estia Health Gold Coast, St Vincent’s Care Services Southport 4★
Runaway Bay Bupa Runaway Bay, TriCare Bayview Place Aged Care Residence 3★
Ashmore Infinite Care Ashmore, De Paul Villa Aged Care —
Hope Island Lions Haven For The Aged, Arcare Hope Island —
Mudgeeraba Carinity Cedarbrook 4★
Merrimac Bupa Merrimac 4★
Upper Coomera Regis Magnolia 4★
Varsity Lakes Bolton Clarke The Terraces 4★

How we rank aged care in Gold 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 Gold 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 Gold Coast

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

Among the Gold Coast aged-care homes we list with a published price, Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs) centre around $650,000, 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 Gold Coast aged-care homes offer dementia care?

Gold Coast homes we cover with dementia or secure memory support include Ozcare De Paul Villa Aged Care Facility, Carinity Cedarbrook, Bupa Merrimac, Regis Magnolia. 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 Newcastle

NSW

Best aged care in Wollongong

NSW

Best aged care in Geelong

VIC
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