Questions, answered — and how to get started
Choosing residential aged care can feel like a lot. Here are the questions families ask us most, and a simple guide to the steps involved — at your pace, with no obligation.
How to get started
Most families are doing this for the first time. Here is the usual path into permanent residential care — we can help with every step.
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Get an ACAT assessment
Before moving into permanent residential aged care, most people need an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). It is free, arranged through My Aged Care, and confirms eligibility for government-subsidised care.
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Register your interest with us
Join our waitlist so we can get to know you, answer questions, and let you know when a suitable room becomes available. There is no cost and no obligation.
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Understand the costs
Services Australia completes an income and assets assessment that determines what you contribute. We will walk you through accommodation options — a refundable deposit (RAD), a daily payment (DAP), or a combination. See our plain-English fees guide.
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Visit and choose
Come and see the home, meet the team, and picture daily life here. The best way to know if a home is right is to spend time in it.
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Move in
When a room is offered and you are ready, we will help make the move as smooth as possible — and keep family closely involved throughout.
What is an ACAT assessment?
An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is a group of health professionals who assess what kind of aged care support a person needs. The assessment is free and is the key that unlocks government-subsidised residential care. You can request one at myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422. You don't need one to register your interest with us — if you haven't started, we can point you in the right direction.
Frequently asked questions
What's included at Paradise Lakes?
Your accommodation includes a private room with ensuite, all meals and refreshments prepared fresh in our kitchen, 24/7 registered nursing and personal care, cleaning, laundry, a full lifestyle and activities program, and everyday utilities.
Is there 24-hour nursing care at Paradise Lakes?
Yes — we have registered nurses on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supported by an experienced personal care team, so help is always close by.
What is the food like at Paradise Lakes?
Meals are prepared fresh on site every day by our Michelin-trained executive chef, using seasonal, locally-sourced produce. Menus cater for individual tastes and dietary needs, and residents share meals together in a relaxed, restaurant-style setting.
How does the waitlist work?
Places are limited to 48 rooms across three houses, so we keep a waitlist of families we're getting to know ahead of time. Registering isn't a commitment; it simply means we can plan with you and reach out the moment a suitable room becomes available. There's no cost and no obligation. Join the waitlist.
Do I need an ACAT assessment?
To move into permanent residential aged care, most people need an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). It's free, arranged through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, and confirms your eligibility for government-subsidised residential care. You don't need one to register your interest with us.
How much does it cost and how do I pay?
Most residents pay a basic daily fee and, depending on an income and assets assessment by Services Australia, may contribute to their care and accommodation. Accommodation can be paid as a refundable deposit (RAD), a daily payment (DAP) or a combination. Our Fees & Accommodation page explains it in plain English.
Can I bring my own furniture and belongings?
Yes — we encourage residents to personalise their room with photos, treasured belongings and small items of furniture to help it feel like home.
What are your visiting hours?
Family and friends are always welcome. We keep visiting flexible and encourage you to stay closely involved in your loved one's life at Paradise Lakes. Please contact us about arrangements that suit you.
What type of care does Paradise Lakes provide?
Paradise Lakes is a permanent residential aged care home. We provide comprehensive, ongoing care — including 24-hour registered nursing, personal care, freshly prepared meals, housekeeping and a full lifestyle program — for people making Paradise Lakes their long-term home. Get in touch to discuss your needs and current availability.
Where is Paradise Lakes Care Centre located?
We're at 360 Oxley Drive, Coombabah QLD 4216, in a quiet lakeside pocket of the northern Gold Coast — close to Runaway Bay, Biggera Waters, Paradise Point, Hope Island and Southport. See our location and how to get here.
Which Gold Coast suburbs do you serve?
Families come to us from right across the northern Gold Coast — including Coombabah, Runaway Bay, Paradise Point, Hollywell, Biggera Waters, Hope Island, Sovereign Islands, Sanctuary Cove, Helensvale and Southport.
What's the difference between residential aged care and a nursing home?
They're the same thing. “Nursing home” is the older, everyday name for what's now called residential aged care — a home where older people live permanently and receive personal care and 24-hour nursing. Paradise Lakes is a residential aged care home.
How do I choose the right aged care home on the Gold Coast?
Visit in person, meet the team, and notice how the home feels. Ask about nursing hours, meals, activities, fees and the My Aged Care star rating — and picture daily life there. Most of all, choose the place where your loved one will feel at home. We're always happy to show you around Paradise Lakes.
Is Paradise Lakes government-registered?
Yes. Paradise Lakes is a registered residential aged care provider under the Aged Care Act 2024, operated by Vanguard Care Communities Pty Ltd, and is regulated by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
How do I arrange a visit or ask a question?
Call us on (07) 5537 8488, email admin@paradiselakescarecentre.com.au, or join our waitlist and we'll be in touch.
Still have questions?
We're happy to talk it through with no pressure. Call us, or register your interest and we'll be in touch.