Types of residential care

There are 4 types of full-time residential care. Providers sometimes offer more than one type of care within the same property.

Rest homes

Rest homes offer care for older people who can manage some daily tasks, but need help with personal care and who would find it difficult to live safely in their own homes.

Long-stay hospitals

Long-stay hospitals offer care for people who have significant medical problems or disability. They need healthcare from registered nurses and support from others to move about.

Dementia units

Dementia units offer care for people suffering from dementia or other mental illnesses, and who could be a risk to themselves or others.

Psycho-geriatric units

Psycho-geriatric units are secure, and care for people who have difficult behavioural problems, including severe dementia or addictions, and need a high level of specialist nursing care.

More information

Seniorline is a national information service that helps you find your way around the health system and access support services. It’s available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

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