Getting started

What is residential care?

Residential care provides accommodation, person centred care, clinical care, meals, lifestyle activities and support for older Australians who can no longer live independently.

How do I access residential care at RSL LifeCare?

To enter residential care at RSL LifeCare, you’ll need approval from your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment is usually completed at home or in hospital, in consultation with your GP.

What documents do I need before moving in?

To move into a residential care home at RSL LifeCare, common documents include: 

• My Aged Care Support Plan 

• Completed Application Form 

• Enduring Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardianship (if applicable) 

• Privacy Consent Form 

• Services Australia Residential Aged Care Fees letter (if received) 

• Recent GP Health Summary 

Your care and wellbeing

Who is involved in my care planning?

At RSL LifeCare, your care plan is developed with you and may involve your family or representative, GP and our clinical team. Care planning includes required government assessments under AN‑ACC and ongoing reviews to ensure your needs are met.

Can I keep my current GP?

Yes, you can continue seeing your existing GP when you’re a resident at RSL LifeCare, provided they are registered in your state or territory and able to visit your home if needed. If you don’t have a preferred GP, we can help arrange one.

What health services are available?

At RSL LifeCare, depending on your needs, services may include visiting GPs, physiotherapists, podiatrists, dentists, dietitians, palliative care nurses, mobile X‑rays and other allied health providers. Some services may attract additional charges.

Can I attend external appointments?

Yes. We can support you to attend external appointments. If a team member accompanies you, this will be invoiced by your residential care home.

Medication and clinical support

How is my medication managed?

Medication is prescribed by your doctor, dispensed by a pharmacy and stored securely. Our trained RSL LifeCare team members can assist you, or you may self‑manage your medication if you’ve completed a competency assessment.

Your room and what’s provided

What is included in my room?

Here at RSL LifeCare, your room is furnished and typically includes an electric bed, bedside table, wardrobe, over‑bed table and chair. You’re encouraged to personalise your space with photos, ornaments, and small furniture items.

What personal items should I bring?

You may like to bring clothing, comfortable shoes, personal items, a TV, photos and favourite furnishings when you move into RSL LifeCare. Clothing should be labelled for laundry care – our team can help with this.

Are toiletries and meals provided?

Yes. Toiletries and incontinence aids are supplied unless you prefer a specific brand. All meals are prepared onsite using fresh, seasonal ingredients, with dietary needs catered for.

Lifestyle and community

What activities can I enjoy?

Each residential care home at RSL LifeCare offers a lifestyle program that may include exercise classes, outings, arts and crafts, gardening, movies, bingo, Happy Hour, men’s groups and visiting entertainers.

Are hairdressing and grooming services available?

Yes. Hairdressing services visit regularly, offering haircuts, styling, colouring and grooming services to our residents.

Visitors and leave

When can I have visitors?

Visitors are welcome at any time. In certain circumstances, such as a pandemic or seasonal infection, visiting arrangements may change and families will be informed.

What leave am I entitled to?

Permanent Residents are entitled to hospital leave and up to 52 days per financial year of overnight social leave. Hospital leave is unlimited. Social leave beyond 52 days may affect government subsidies.

Meals, food and alcohol

Can family bring food into the home?

Yes, subject to food safety guidelines. Food must be clearly labelled, transported safely and may not be reheated or stored by RSL LifeCare team members. Our team can discuss this with you in more detail.

Is alcohol allowed?

Alcohol is provided at special functions and meals for residents who wish to enjoy a drink.

Safety, valuables and belongings

Can I bring electrical appliances?

Some personal appliances can be brought in, subject to electrical testing and safety guidelines. Items such as toasters, irons and microwaves are not permitted in rooms at RSL LifeCare.

What about valuables and cash?

We recommend not keeping large amounts of cash in your room. While efforts are made to ensure safety, RSL LifeCare cannot accept responsibility for loss of valuables.

Billing and accounts

How am I billed?

Accounts are generally direct‑debited mid‑month and issued to your nominated representative. Pharmacy invoices may be sent separately.