Moving into an aged care home: what to expect and what to ask

Published 12 October 2026 · Aged care · Source checked 12 October 2026

A move into an aged care home is a big step. Here is how to prepare, what stays the same and what to ask before and after you move.

What does not change

Moving into an aged care home means new people, routines and surroundings, but some things stay the same. You still decide what to do each day, and you keep control over your personal matters, your finances and your privacy.

Preparing to move

Think about who needs to be told, what you want to bring, and who can help you on the day and in the first weeks. Sort out your documents and agreements, and make sure you understand the resident agreement before signing. It can help to bring familiar things such as photographs, a favourite chair and bedding.

Ask for a care plan to be developed with you so that your preferences, routines and health needs are written down and shared with staff.

Looking after your health and money

You will still see your own doctor, dentist and other health professionals, and the home has a responsibility to help you manage your general health needs. Ask how appointments are booked and how you get to them. Understand how fees are charged and what you can expect to pay for, and speak to an independent adviser if you are unsure.

Staying connected

Ask about activities, outings, visiting arrangements and how family and friends can stay involved in your care. Staying independent and social matters. If something is not working in the first weeks, say so early. The home should listen, and there are processes if it does not. This is general information, not advice about a particular home.

Questions for the first few weeks

Ask who your main contact is, when your care plan will be reviewed with you and how your preferences about meals, routines and visitors are recorded. Ask how to raise a concern and who will follow it up.

Give yourself time to settle. If something is not right, say so early, and ask family, a friend or an independent advocate to help if you want support.

Frequently asked questions

What stays the same when I move into an aged care home?

You still decide what to do each day, and you keep control over your personal matters, your finances and your privacy.

How should I prepare for moving in?

Think about who needs to be told, what you want to bring and who can help you on the day and in the first weeks. Sort out your documents and agreements, and make sure you understand the resident agreement before signing. Ask for a care plan to be developed with you so that your preferences, routines and health needs are written down.

Can I still see my own doctor?

Yes. You will still see your own doctor, dentist and other health professionals, and the home has a responsibility to help you manage your general health needs. Ask how appointments are booked and how you get to them.

What if something is not right in the first weeks?

Say so early. The home should listen, and there are processes if it does not. You can ask family, a friend or an independent advocate to help.

Keep learning

Support at Home explained: how in-home aged care works: Support at Home is the program that helps older people stay in their own homes. Here is how it works, from approval to choosing a provider.
Choosing an aged care provider or home: what to compare: Star ratings are a good start, not the whole picture. Here is how to compare providers on quality, cost and fit.
When your aged care needs change: reviews and changing provider: Needs change, and aged care can change with them. Here is how to ask for a review or reassessment and how to change provider.
NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.

More in our aged care support guide, our step-by-step guides, or the aged care providers listed on the My Aged Care register.

Official sources

Source checked 12 October 2026. Rules and guidance can change; verify current details with the responsible agency. How we write and check our guides.