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Planning your care
It’s a good idea to make a list of your care needs before you talk with the manager of an aged care home. You should also discuss your needs with your carer or family members to make sure you’ve thought of everything. The needs of your carer and your family and friends are also important if they are going to continue to support you in your new environment.
Physical care needs
- Are you on a special diet, or do you need or prefer particular foods?
- Do you need help with daily tasks such as dressing, using the toilet, bathing, or moving around your home?
- Do you need nursing care (for example with medication, wounds, catheters)?
- Are you receiving or do you need services such as podiatry or hairdressing, or therapies such as physiotherapy (more information) or speech therapy?
Spiritual, social and emotional needs
- Would you prefer to engage in organised activities?
- Do you want to continue with particular hobbies and interests?
- Would you like to continue to participate in the community?
- Do you have a need for privacy, quiet or reassurance?
- Do you prefer to be cared for by staff of your own gender, for example with bathing?
- Is security a concern for you or your family?
- Do you need special provisions to practise your particular religion?
- Would you like to participate in decision making about the running of the home?
Carer or family needs
- Do you need private space for frequent visits by carer, family or friends at different hours?
- Does your family want to hear from staff on a regular basis?
- Does your carer wish to stay with you in the home for a period, if this can be arranged?
Related topics: About accreditation standards
Related topics: About the Charter of Residents' Rights & Responsibilities
Common questions on this topic:
- Can I find a home that will cater for all of my care needs as I get older or need more assistance, so I don't need to move around?
- What is 'ageing in place'?
- I only came to this home until a room in the one closer to my daughter becomes available, but I don't know if I'll even be considered now - what can I do?
See more common questions on this topic | See all common questions