Understanding specialised aged care services

Specialised aged care services are designed to meet the unique needs of particular groups of older Australians, ensuring they receive personalised, respectful and meaningful care. If you’re starting the search for aged care support for your loved one, understanding these services can help you find a provider where they will feel truly at home.

What are specialised aged care services?

Specialised aged care services go beyond standard care; they are tailored to support people who may need extra consideration in the way care is delivered, including:

• people living with dementia;
• culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• LGBTQIA+ seniors;
• veterans and their families;
• people with mental health conditions;
• older people experiencing homelessness;
• people with severe and complex disabilities;
• seniors living in remote and rural communities.

Services can be formally ‘verified’ against government criteria, meaning providers have demonstrated they have the right training, programs, cultural understanding and systems to meet these specific needs.

You can read more about the verification process on the Australian Government website.

Real-life impact: when specialised care makes a difference

Maria’s story — finding comfort in cultural connection
Maria, a 78-year-old Italian-Australian living with early dementia, struggled in mainstream care settings where English was the only language spoken. Her family found a care home verified for CALD services, where she could enjoy Italian meals, join cultural celebrations and communicate with bilingual staff. This simple shift brought Maria a deep sense of belonging and emotional security.

John’s story — respecting identity in aged care
John, a proud veteran and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, worried about entering aged care. He found a provider that specialised in supporting LGBTQIA+ seniors, with trained staff, inclusive policies and peer support groups. Feeling safe to be himself allowed John to build friendships and engage fully in the community.

What does great specialised care look like?

When done well, specialised care is not about ticking boxes but creating a genuinely supportive, understanding and empowering environment.

We’ve listed some key things to look for in order to find the right kind of care for your needs.

• Find a provider with trained and compassionate staff who understand the specific needs of their residents.
  
• Search for culturally safe environments with access to traditional foods, religious practices or culturally appropriate activities.
  
• Look for tailored programs and therapies, such as dementia-specific memory cafes, LGBTQIA+ community days or trauma-informed veteran support.
  
• Enquire about personalised care plans that consider each resident’s background, values and life experiences.
  
• Ask about real inclusion, where residents feel seen, respected and valued every day.
  

How to find specialised aged care services

If you’re looking for specialised aged care services for your loved one, Aged Care Guide is a great place to start.

With Aged Care Guide, you can easily search and compare providers across Australia, filtering for services that cater to specific care needs, such as dementia support, culturally appropriate care or palliative care. You can also explore each provider’s profile to learn about their programs, support options and care approach.

Whether you’re looking for a residential aged care home or support at home, Aged Care Guide helps you make confident, informed choices. You can also contact providers directly through the platform to ask questions or arrange a visit.

Examples of specialised aged care done well

Here are just a few examples of Australian providers who have been recognised for their specialised programs.

• Bolton Clarke has been recognised for specialised dementia and active ageing programs tailored to cultural backgrounds.

• Ryman Healthcare has been awarded for creating inclusive environments supporting ageing-in-place and diverse resident needs.

• ACH Group has a Healthia model that helps to reevaluate residential care with small, home-like settings and personal choice at the centre.

• Uniting offers dedicated LGBTQIA+ inclusive aged care services, including rainbow coffee catch-ups and inclusive admission practices.

These services show that with the right understanding and design, aged care can be a place where every older Australian thrives.

Finding the right aged care service isn’t just about meeting medical needs, it’s about finding a place where your loved one feels seen, valued and at home.

Whether it’s ensuring cultural traditions are honoured, creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ elders or offering specialist dementia care, specialised services can make an enormous difference.

Take the time to explore your options, ask questions and trust your instincts — because the right care is out there.