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Frequently Asked Questions

We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about residential aged care in Australia and at WMQ. From general information about living in an aged care community and the costs associated with it, you'll find everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your future.

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Understanding Residential Aged Care

From 1 November 2025, residential aged care introduced capped prices, clearer fee structures, updated care standards, and stronger resident rights. You can learn more on our Residential Aged Care Reforms page.

Residential aged care refers to purpose-built housing and care services available for older people who can no longer live at home due to their increasing need for help with everyday tasks and/or health care changes. Residential aged care is typically provided in a dedicated aged care community, also known as a nursing home or aged care home.

At Wesley Mission Queensland, you’ll find a new way of thinking about Residential Aged Care. Living life your way, having fun, celebrating life, spending time with pets, and enjoying nature and your hobbies – all while receiving the care you need.

Residential Aged Care provides a range of services to residents, as required by your health needs. These may include assistance with daily activities such as showering, dressing, and meal preparation.

Residential Aged Care at Wesley Mission Queensland offers safe, homely accommodation, social support, nursing care, access to medical treatment, allied health, and other specialised services such as dental. Residential aged care is designed to support your health, wellbeing, social life, and safety, all whilst assisting you with everyday tasks.

Learn more about our residential aged care services.

Residential Aged Care at Wesley Mission Queensland offers accommodation that is tailored to suit you, with facilities and staff who provide all the care and services required to meet your needs. Residential aged care is designed to support your health, wellbeing, social life, and safety, all whilst assisting you with everyday tasks.

The advantage of residential aged care includes:

  • 24/7 registered nurse support
  • Allied health care
  • Individual care needs support 
  • Companionship and community
  • Safety and peace of mind
  • Access to services, amenities, and lifestyle facilities
  • Comfortable accommodation

 Learn more about our residential aged care services.

In Australia, residential aged care (RAC) is available for seniors aged over 65 or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50, with an aged care assessment (ACAT) who require additional assistance with day-to-day life.

Residential aged care fees are regulated by the Australian Government and are means-tested. Based on the individual’s income and assets, the Australian Government will determine the fees payable for entry to care.

Both nursing homes and residential aged care homes refer to the same services and facilities and can be used interchangeably. They provide care and accommodation for seniors aged over 65 or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50 who are no longer able to live independently. 

Retirement living is accommodation within an over 65yrs community or similar. This style of living is more for those who are primarily independent or with low support needs, who are seeking an active and social lifestyle with access to services and amenities that cater to this. Personal care is not provided, with persons accessing help at home through their home care provider.

Residential aged care may be required when the person's needs can no longer be met by themselves, family support or their home care provider. The aged care home can provide a high level of care as required.

The decision to move into residential aged care is a very personal one. Some signs that a move may be beneficial are if you are struggling to complete everyday tasks, have a complex medical condition, are at risk of falling, are experiencing memory loss or confusion or have difficulty managing your medication. If your family or caregivers are struggling to provide you with the level of care and support, you require contacting our team of professionals to find out whether residential aged care is right for you.

Deciding to move into residential aged care is a very personal decision. When your care needs are no longer a viable option, you may wish to consider a residential care home. Here are some examples of when residential aged care may be more appropriate:

  • When your care needs begin to outweigh the services offered by your in-home carer
  • If you, your family or caregivers are struggling to provide you with the level of care and support you require
  • You require around-the-clock care and supervision
  • In-home safety concerns, such as an inadequate bathroom, struggling to navigate steps
  • Social isolation and loneliness

As the cost of residential aged care is means-tested, it ensures the cost of care is affordable for all. You may wish to discuss your personal financial situation with a financial aged care specialist. Alternatively, Services Australia provides a Financial Information Service, you can contact a Financial Information Service Officer on 132 300 and request Financial Information Service.

An aged care assessment is a clinical evaluation to determine eligibility for government-funded aged care services, such as residential aged care, support at home care, respite care, or transition care. This comprehensive assessment, conducted by a team of healthcare professionals, covers a wide range of areas, including the person's health status, medication management, ability to perform daily tasks, cognitive function, social support, and living environment. After the assessment, the person will receive a detailed report outlining their care needs and recommendations for the most appropriate aged care funding and services. Learn more on our Aged Care Assessment page.

Residential Aged Care at WMQ

Residential Aged Care Contact us

At Wesley Mission Queensland we provide residential aged care services to Australians over the age of 65 or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50. If you or a loved one feels that the care provided at home is no longer enough to suit your needs please contact our friendly admissions team and we can help you understand the process for you to make the decision that is right for you.

Wesley Mission Queensland has 12 residential aged care facilities across Brisbane. Our admissions team are here to guide you and your family with the information you need to choose the right residential aged care home for you.

Wesley Mission Queensland provides a range of aged care services, from 24/7 nursing care to allied health services, dementia care, palliative care and spiritual care and support, our approach to care is personalised and unparalleled.

All our aged care homes across Brisbane have access to:

  • Care staff, including Registered Nurses available 24 hours a day
  • Visiting GPs
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech therapists
  • Chaplaincy services
  • Volunteers.

Discover our full range of residential aged care services

At Wesley Mission Queensland’s care homes, our nursing and allied health care teams are in-house rather than external contractors, ensuring high-quality care. We offer personalised services and a strong focus on community engagement, helping residents enjoy social and recreational activities that make their stay feel like home.

We provide dementia and palliative care support across all our residential aged care homes. We work closely with residents living with dementia and their families to establish a relationship-centred care environment. We recognise dying as a part of life and focus on making you as comfortable as possible as part our community.

The cost of residential aged care in Australia is regulated by the Australian government via Services Australia, and it is based on an individual's income and assets. Services Australia may subsidise a portion of the cost, and the resident or their family is required to contribute the remainder. The amount of the resident's contribution is determined by an assessment of their financial situation, including their income and assets.

Should you wish to access residential aged care services, you'll need to register with My Aged Care. You can apply for a free aged care assessment. You may benefit from speaking with an Aged Care specific financial advisor. Alternatively, Services Australia provides a Financial Information Service. You can contact their Financial Information Service Officers on 132 300 and request Financial Information Service.

The Government’s My Aged Care website offers an aged care costs estimator.

Wesley Mission Queensland offers government-subsidised residential aged care placements in all our aged care communities located across Brisbane. The cost is regulated by the Australian government, and it is based on an individual's income and assets, so it varies from person to person. If you have no assets and are receiving a full pension, you could be eligible for government-funded residential aged care.

Availability at Wesley Mission Queensland varies so it’s best to talk to us about your needs. Contact our Residential Admissions team today to find out whether a fully supported aged care vacancy at Wesley Mission Queensland may be right for you.

Aged care costs are regulated by the Australian government and vary based on your income, assets, and the room costs set by your chosen provider. Depending on your means-test outcome, the government may cover some or all fees and accommodation costs. Your fees and charges may include:

  • A basic daily fee to cover daily living expenses such as meals, laundry, utilities and cleaning. 
  • An accommodation fee to cover the room pricing. You can pay for the room as a refundable lump sum (RAD/RAC), daily (DAP/DAC) or a combination of both.
  • If you were approved for home care services after 12 Sep 2024, and you are assessed as a higher-income earner in your means assessment, you might also pay a Hotelling Supplement Contribution and contribute to the costs of Non-Clinical care.
  • If you were approved for home care on or before 12 Sep 2024, and hasn't moved into residential aged care yet, you might also pay a means tested fee.

Wesley Mission Queensland offers government-subsidised residential aged care placements in all our residential aged care communities located across Brisbane. Availability varies so it’s best to talk to us about your needs. Contact us today to find out whether a residential aged care vacancy at Wesley Mission Queensland may be right for you.

Our residential aged care communities

Discover the perfect fit among our 12 aged care communities in Brisbane, each with their own distinct personality and surroundings. We focus on promoting meaningful relationships while eliminating loneliness and boredom.

Residential Aged Care that works for you

We know the path into residential aged care can be emotional and confusing, and our team is here to support you. Please call us on 1800 448 448 or complete this form.

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Retiree reading in one of our residential aged care communities in Brisbane