What is residential aged care in Australia? A Healesville family’s guide

If you have started searching for residential aged care in Healesville or the Yarra Valley, chances are you are navigating one of the most significant decisions your family will face. It can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to begin is half the battle. This guide is here to help.

So, what is residential aged care?

Residential aged care, sometimes called a nursing home or aged care home, provides full-time accommodation and around-the-clock nursing care for older Australians who can no longer live safely at home. It is for people whose care needs have grown beyond what can reasonably be managed in the community, whether that is due to age-related frailty, dementia, complex medical needs, or a combination of all three.

At Holmwood Aged Care, our residential aged care home in Healesville, we provide 24-hour nursing and personal care to every resident, tailored to their individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

What does residential aged care include?

When someone moves into a residential aged care home like Holmwood, they are not just receiving medical care. They are moving into a home. That means:

• 24-hour nursing care from registered nurses and personal carers
• Freshly prepared meals, morning and afternoon tea
• A private room with ensuite
• A daily lifestyle program with activities, outings, and social connection
• Support with medication management, allied health, and specialist appointments
• A safe, familiar environment

For families in Healesville, Yarra Glen, Lilydale, Chirnside Park, and across the Yarra Ranges, having a quality residential aged care option close to home means you can stay involved and visit regularly, which matters enormously for your loved one's wellbeing.

Who is residential aged care for?

Residential aged care is generally for people who need more support than can be provided through support at home care packages or community services. Common reasons families begin exploring residential aged care include frequent falls, advanced dementia, significant weight loss, complex wound care, or a carer who is no longer able to cope safely at home.

If you are unsure whether the time is right, our team at Holmwood is always happy to have an honest conversation with no pressure. We can help you understand what level of care is needed and whether residential care is the right fit.

How does the process work?

To access government-funded residential aged care in Australia, you first need an assessment through the Single Assessment System, which replaced the former ACAT process in late 2024. A qualified health professional will visit your loved one, usually at home or in hospital, to assess their needs and confirm eligibility. This assessment is free.

If your family member is currently a patient at Austin Health, Eastern Health, or another local hospital, the hospital's discharge team can often assist with initiating the assessment process before they leave.

Once assessed and approved, you can begin exploring facilities. We encourage families to visit Holmwood in person. Come and see the home, meet the team, and ask as many questions as you need.

Why choose Holmwood for residential aged care in Healesville?

Holmwood has been caring for older people in Healesville for more than 40 years. We are Australian-owned and deeply embedded in the Yarra Valley community. Many of our staff have worked here for years and many of our residents have deep roots in the local area.

We are not a large corporate chain. We are a home, and we think that makes a real difference to the care we provide and the experience our residents and families have every day.

If you would like to learn more or arrange a visit, contact our team at Holmwood Aged Care on (03) 5962 4321, or visit our Getting Started page for more information about the admission process.