ACQSC + My Aged Care · Sunshine Coast

Best Aged Care in Sunshine Coast, 2026

There's no single "best" or "number one" aged-care home in Sunshine 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 16 Sunshine 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 Sunshine Coast, Buderim, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Nambour.

16 providers ranked No paid placements ACQSC ratings published

The Health Desk · Editorial team, aged care + dental + plastic surgery + dermatology + weight-loss + psychology · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Which is the best aged care in Sunshine Coast?

Our top-ranked aged care in Sunshine Coast for 2026 is Regis Kuluin — Regis Kuluin (Kuluin, Sunshine Coast) is a ASX-listed for-profit operator. Runners-up: Arcare Maroochydore and Palmwoods Care Centre. All 16 providers in this guide serve Sunshine Coast and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 16 providers profiled in Sunshine Coast, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

★Key takeaways

✓Highest ACQSC rating: Regis Kuluin (4/5 stars), Kuluin.
✓7 of 16 have ACQSC ratings of 4 or 5 stars; the national average is around 3 stars.
✓8 are not-for-profit (faith-based or community-owned); the rest are for-profit operators.
✓6 offer dedicated dementia-specific care; 11 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.

16 Verified Aged Care in Sunshine Coast, Ranked

Regis Kuluin

ASX-listed (for-profit) ACQSC 4/5 Palliative care Kuluin

Regis Kuluin (Kuluin, Sunshine Coast) is a ASX-listed for-profit operator. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 120 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

120

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

Services: Residential aged care, Respite, Palliative.

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

Asx-listed residential aged-care home in Kuluin, Sunshine Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good).

1300 998 100

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

Arcare Maroochydore

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

Arcare Maroochydore runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Maroochydore. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 90 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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 Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Verify on My Aged Care ↗

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/p717tjb-arcare-pty-ltd/aged-care-homes/arcare-maroochydore-3f4qj2). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

Palmwoods Care Centre

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

Palmwoods Care Centre operates as a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider in Palmwoods, Sunshine Coast. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 71 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

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

Verify on My Aged Care ↗

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search/1syfzx6g-sundale-ltd/aged-care-homes/palmwoods-care-centre-1fqf7tm). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

Regis Maroochydore

ASX-listed (for-profit) ACQSC 4/5 Palliative care Maroochydore

Regis Maroochydore, in Maroochydore, is a ASX-listed for-profit operator. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 68 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

$655k

Services: Residential aged care, Respite, Palliative.

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

Asx-listed residential aged-care home in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good).

1300 998 100

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

Coolum Beach Care Centre

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

Coolum Beach Care Centre (Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast) is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. ACQSC 4/5 stars. 50 approved beds. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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 Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/services/coolum-beach-care-centre-5395). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

Bolton Clarke Buderim Views

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

Bolton Clarke Buderim Views runs a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider from Buderim. ACQSC 4/5 stars. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Not stated

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

$715k

Services: Residential aged care, Respite, Palliative.

Specialty programs: Dementia.

Best for: Families needing secure dementia-specific care

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

07 5477 9100

Note: Sourced from the My Aged Care / ACQSC register (https://www.boltonclarke.com.au/living-options/residential-aged-care/buderim-views/). ACQSC star ratings and RAD prices change quarterly — verify on myagedcare.gov.au before applying.

Nambour Gardens Care Community

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

Nambour Gardens Care Community operates as a privately-held for-profit operator in Nambour, Sunshine Coast. ACQSC 4/5 stars. Dementia-specific care available.

ACQSC rating

★★★★☆

Beds

Not stated

Basic daily fee

$66.80/day

RAD from

Not published

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 Nambour, Sunshine Coast. ACQSC overall rating 4 stars (Good). Specialist programs: Dementia.

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

Carramar Aged Care

Not-for-profit (community) Tewantin

Carramar Aged Care, in Tewantin, is a community-owned not-for-profit aged-care provider. 175 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

175

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

175-bed community-based not-for-profit residential aged-care home in Sunshine Coast, operated by NoosaCare Inc.

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.

TriCare Kawana Waters Aged Care Residence

Private (for-profit) Warana

TriCare Kawana Waters Aged Care Residence (Warana, Sunshine Coast) 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 Sunshine Coast, operated by TriCare Roche Aged Care Ptd Ltd.

Kawana Waters Care Community

Private (for-profit) Birtinya

Kawana Waters Care Community runs a privately-held for-profit operator from Birtinya. 151 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

151

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

151-bed privately operated residential aged-care home in Sunshine Coast, operated by DPG Services Pty Ltd.

St Vincent’s Care Services Maroochydore

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

St Vincent’s Care Services Maroochydore operates as a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast. 135 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

135

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

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

Provider website →

Blue Care Caloundra Aged Care Facility

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

Blue Care Caloundra Aged Care Facility, in Caloundra, is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 114 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

114

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

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

Southern Cross Care Facility Caloundra

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Palliative care Little Mountain

Southern Cross Care Facility Caloundra (Little Mountain, Sunshine Coast) is a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider. 103 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

103

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

103-bed faith-based residential aged-care home in Sunshine Coast, operated by Southern Cross Care (QLD) Ltd.

Sunrise Beach Aged Care

Not-for-profit (faith-based) Palliative care Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach Aged Care runs a faith-based not-for-profit aged-care provider from Sunrise Beach. 102 approved beds. Palliative-care capable.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

102

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

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

Glenbrook

Government Nambour

Glenbrook operates as a government-funded aged-care provider in Nambour, Sunshine Coast. 28 approved beds.

ACQSC rating

Not yet rated

Beds

Basic daily fee

$66.8/day

RAD from

Not published

Services: Residential aged care.

Best for: Families wanting upfront fee transparency before a tour

28-bed government-operated residential aged-care home in Sunshine Coast, operated by Queensland Health.

Caloundra Place Care Community

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

Caloundra Place Care Community, in Dicky Beach, 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

$545k

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 Dicky Beach, Sunshine Coast. Specialist programs: Dementia.

07 5390 0200

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

Aged Care in Sunshine Coast, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅	Suburb ⇅	Ownership ⇅	ACQSC ⇅	Beds ⇅	Daily fee from ⇅
Regis Kuluin	Kuluin	ASX-listed	4/5	120	On enquiry
Arcare Maroochydore	Maroochydore	Private	4/5	90	On enquiry
Palmwoods Care Centre	Palmwoods	NFP (community)	4/5	71	On enquiry
Regis Maroochydore	Maroochydore	ASX-listed	4/5	68	On enquiry
Coolum Beach Care Centre	Coolum Beach	NFP (community)	4/5	50	On enquiry
Bolton Clarke Buderim Views	Buderim	NFP (community)	4/5	-	On enquiry
Nambour Gardens Care Community	Nambour	Private	4/5	-	On enquiry
Carramar Aged Care	Tewantin	NFP (community)	Not yet rated	175	$66.8
TriCare Kawana Waters Aged Care Residence	Warana	Private	Not yet rated	162	$66.8
Kawana Waters Care Community	Birtinya	Private	Not yet rated	151	$66.8
St Vincent’s Care Services Maroochydore	Maroochydore	NFP (faith)	Not yet rated	135	$66.8
Blue Care Caloundra Aged Care Facility	Caloundra	NFP (faith)	Not yet rated	114	$66.8
Southern Cross Care Facility Caloundra	Little Mountain	NFP (faith)	Not yet rated	103	$66.8
Sunrise Beach Aged Care	Sunrise Beach	NFP (faith)	Not yet rated	102	$66.8
Glenbrook	Nambour	Government	Not yet rated	28	$66.8
Caloundra Place Care Community	Dicky Beach	Private	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 Sunshine Coast, by band

Upper · $550k–750k

2 homes — e.g. Regis Maroochydore, Bolton Clarke Buderim Views

Mid-range · $400k–550k

1 home — e.g. Caloundra Place Care Community

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

Sunshine Coast aged care by type of care

Dementia & memory care in Sunshine Coast

Arcare Maroochydore — 4★ ACQSC
Palmwoods Care Centre — 4★ ACQSC
Coolum Beach Care Centre — 4★ ACQSC
Bolton Clarke Buderim Views — 4★ ACQSC
Nambour Gardens Care Community — 4★ ACQSC

Respite care in Sunshine Coast

Regis Kuluin — 4★ ACQSC
Arcare Maroochydore — 4★ ACQSC
Palmwoods Care Centre — 4★ ACQSC
Regis Maroochydore — 4★ ACQSC
Coolum Beach Care Centre — 4★ ACQSC

Palliative care in Sunshine Coast

Regis Kuluin — 4★ ACQSC
Arcare Maroochydore — 4★ ACQSC
Regis Maroochydore — 4★ ACQSC
Coolum Beach Care Centre — 4★ ACQSC
Bolton Clarke Buderim Views — 4★ ACQSC

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

Not-for-profit aged care in Sunshine Coast

Private & listed operators in Sunshine Coast

Aged-care homes in Sunshine Coast, by suburb

Suburb	Homes	ACQSC
Maroochydore	Arcare Maroochydore, Regis Maroochydore, St Vincent’s Care Services Maroochydore	4★
Nambour	Nambour Gardens Care Community, Glenbrook	4★
Kuluin	Regis Kuluin	4★
Palmwoods	Palmwoods Care Centre	4★
Coolum Beach	Coolum Beach Care Centre	4★
Buderim	Bolton Clarke Buderim Views	4★
Tewantin	Carramar Aged Care	—
Warana	TriCare Kawana Waters Aged Care Residence	—

How we rank aged care in Sunshine 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 Sunshine 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.

Common questions

FAQs: aged care in Sunshine Coast

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

Among the Sunshine Coast aged-care homes we list with a published price, Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs) centre around $655,000, 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 Sunshine Coast aged-care homes offer dementia care?

Sunshine Coast homes we cover with dementia or secure memory support include Arcare Maroochydore, Palmwoods Care Centre, Coolum Beach Care Centre, Bolton Clarke Buderim Views. 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

Best aged care in Adelaide

Best aged care in Hobart

TAS

Best aged care in Canberra

ACT

Best aged care in Darwin

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 →

Best Aged Care in Sunshine Coast, 2026

Which is the best aged care in Sunshine Coast?

★Key takeaways

16 Verified Aged Care in Sunshine Coast, Ranked

Aged-care RAD prices in Sunshine Coast, by band

Sunshine Coast aged care by type of care

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

Aged-care homes in Sunshine Coast, by suburb

How we rank aged care in Sunshine Coast

Get a free shortlist of aged-care homes that fit

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FAQs: aged care in Sunshine Coast

Other aged care city rankings