Opal HealthCare
NationalLargest Operator
Residential Aged Care
Australia's largest residential aged care operator with 100+ care homes across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA. Provides high-care, low-care, dementia and respite services. Part of NZ-based Oceania Healthcare group.
100+ care homesNational coverage
States: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA
Residential Aged Care
ASX-listed operator of 68 residential aged care homes across NSW, VIC, QLD and SA. Provides permanent aged care, respite and specialist dementia care. Known for quality food and lifestyle programs.
68 care homesASX-listed company
States: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA
Residential Aged Care
ASX-listed provider operating 67 residential aged care homes. Also offers home care and retirement living. Strong focus on person-centred care and staff-to-resident ratios.
67 care homesASX-listed company
States: All states
Residential Aged Care
Part of the global Bupa health group. Operates 50+ residential aged care homes across Australia focused on health outcomes and quality care. Also offers health insurance integration.
50+ care homesGlobal health group
States: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA
Calvary Care
Not-for-profitNational
Residential Aged Care & Palliative
Catholic not-for-profit with a strong focus on palliative and end-of-life care. Operates 19 residential aged care homes and is one of Australia's leading providers of palliative care.
19 care homesPalliative care specialist
States: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT
Arcare
NationalAward-Winning
Residential Aged Care
Award-winning operator known for high-quality hotel-style aged care. 50+ residences with premium finishes, chef-prepared meals and strong activity programs. Consistently high ratings.
50+ residencesAward-winning quality
States: NSW, VIC, QLD
HammondCare
Not-for-profit
Specialist Dementia & Aged Care
Australia's leading specialist in dementia care and complex aged care needs. Internationally recognised for dementia research and care models. 14 residential care facilities.
Dementia specialistInternational recognition
States: NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT
Residential Aged Care
Major not-for-profit operating 70+ residential aged care homes across NSW, ACT and VIC. Known for person-centred care, cultural diversity programs and strong community values.
70+ care homesCulturally diverse programs
States: NSW, ACT, VIC
Government Portal — Aged Care Entry Point
The Australian Government's central aged care portal. Not a provider itself — the entry point for all government-funded aged care including residential care, home care and CHSP. Start here for any aged care journey.
Free assessmentGovernment portal
States: All states (federal)
Residential Aged Care in Australia: What Families Need to Know
Residential aged care (also called nursing home care) provides 24-hour support for older Australians who can no longer safely live at home. Understanding the system, costs and quality markers helps families make better decisions.
How to Access Residential Aged Care
All government-subsidised residential aged care requires an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment through My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au or 1800 200 422). The assessment determines whether residential care is appropriate and at what level.
Understanding Quality Ratings
The Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) regulates and accredits all residential aged care homes. The Star Rating system (introduced 2022) provides a 1-5 star rating for each home covering residents' experience, staffing levels and compliance. Always check a home's star rating at myagedcare.gov.au before choosing.
Key Cost Components
- Basic daily fee: 75% of the single Age Pension — paid by all residents
- Means-tested care fee: Additional fee based on income and assets assessment
- Accommodation payment: Either a lump sum RAD, daily DAP or combination
Specialist Dementia Care
Many residential aged care homes have dedicated Secure Dementia Units (SDUs) — locked, specialist environments for residents with dementia who may wander. Not all homes offer this — if dementia is present, confirm specialist dementia care availability before choosing a facility.
Listings are for informational purposes. Always verify current star ratings and accreditation status at myagedcare.gov.au before choosing a residential aged care facility.