Visiting in person is the single best way to judge an aged care home. Homes can look identical on paper and feel completely different once you walk in. Use these questions as a guide, but pay just as much attention to how the place feels.
Care and staffing
- What are the nursing arrangements, day and night? Is a registered nurse always on site?
- How well do staff know each resident, and how stable is the team?
- How are care needs reviewed as they change over time?
Daily life
- What does a typical day look like? What activities and outings are on offer?
- Is the food prepared fresh on site, and can dietary needs and preferences be met?
- Can residents come and go, have visitors, and keep their own routines?
The room and the home
- What room types are available, and can residents personalise their space?
- What are the shared and outdoor spaces like?
- Does the home feel clean, calm and homely rather than clinical?
Family and communication
- How are families kept informed and involved in care?
- Are visiting arrangements flexible?
Fees and quality
- What is included, and are there any additional or optional fees?
- How do the accommodation payments work? (See our guide to aged care costs.)
- What is the home's My Aged Care star rating? (Our star ratings guide explains what they mean.)
What to notice
Beyond the answers, watch the atmosphere. Do staff greet residents warmly and by name? Do residents look comfortable and engaged? Is there laughter? Trust your instincts - this is about where someone you love will feel at home.
The best way to know if Paradise Lakes is right is to see it for yourself. Register your interest and we will arrange a visit whenever suits you.