Find the right aged care home, with confidence
Search every government-funded aged care home in Australia. Compare official Star Ratings for residents' experience, staffing, compliance and quality of care, side by side and in plain English.
Official figures, updated when the government publishes new data. There is no official public count of people waiting for a residential aged care place, so we show the official median wait instead.
Just tell us what you need, in your own words
No jargon, no forms full of terms you don't know. Describe the situation like you'd tell a friend. We'll ask a couple of quick questions if something's missing, then compare homes for you using official government data.
- A shortlist with a personal Match Score and why
- What it might cost: lump sum, daily or a mix
- What we couldn't confirm, and the questions to ask
- Understood: area, room, care needs, budget
- Compared homes nearby on government Star Ratings
- Calculated costs with current government rates
- Listed what to check with each home
This release at a glance
Browse by state or territory
See the best-rated homes in every suburb, ranked only by the government data.
Not sure where to start? Get a personal shortlist.
Tell us about your mum, dad or partner in your own words. We'll compare homes near you, estimate what it might cost, list what we couldn't confirm, and give you the questions to ask on a tour.
See how it worksone-time · 72 hours · up to 5 reports
- Shortlist with a personal Match Score
- Lump sum and daily cost estimates
- Tour checklist and PDF to share
Cost calculators
Free estimates using the government's current rates.
What the Star Ratings measure
Each home gets an Overall Star Rating from 1 to 5, built from four parts. How ratings work
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the best aged care home near me?
Search by postcode or suburb to see every government-funded home nearby, ranked by the Australian Government's Overall Star Rating. Compare residents' experience, staffing, compliance and quality measures side by side, then visit your shortlist.
What do the aged care Star Ratings mean?
Each home gets an Overall Star Rating from 1 (significant improvement needed) to 5 (excellent), built from four parts: Residents' Experience, Compliance, Staffing and Quality Measures. The ratings are published by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
How much does an aged care home cost?
Everyone pays a basic daily fee. Depending on income and assets you may also pay means-tested contributions and an accommodation payment (a lump sum RAD, a daily DAP or a mix). Our free calculator estimates these using the current government rates; Services Australia confirms your actual fees.
How long is the wait for residential aged care?
Official figures for April to June 2026 show a median of 138 days from applying through My Aged Care to entering residential care, with some people waiting much longer.
Is this website run by the government?
No. Aged Care Compare is independent. We use official government data and link to My Aged Care, Services Australia and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for anything you need to apply for or confirm.
Can someone help me compare homes for my mum or dad?
Yes. The AI Aged Care Comparison Report lets you describe your situation in your own words and returns a shortlist with Match Scores, cost estimates and questions to ask. It costs $25 for 72 hours and up to 5 reports.
Official government resources
The official places to apply, check and complain. We link to them so you never have to search.
Links open in a new tab. See all official aged care resources
Ratings are a starting point. Visit, ask questions, and check the home's current details on My Aged Care before deciding.