Valentine’s Day: keeping the love alive in aged care

Key points:

• With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, now is a good time to start thinking about your aged care home options as a couple 
• Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, including friendships and connections with others
• Living in the same aged care home as your partner can be beneficial, but other options are available if couples’ accommodation isn’t for you

With Valentine’s Day coming up, many older Australians may look for ways to spend time with their loved ones, including those who live in aged care homes. 

Valentine’s Day is held on February 14 when many people buy cards and gifts for their loved ones. While many enjoy spending the day with their romantic partners, it might seem difficult for older people who don’t live in the same house or aged care home.

In a previous interview with the Aged Care Guide, Dr Alison Rahn explained why older people can benefit from living close to each other, even in residential aged care situations.

“Research shows, for most people, sleeping with a partner is a social activity and when their partner is not there, they can’t sleep properly,” she said.

“For many [people], it’s extremely distressing — after so many years together — to be separated from the person they love.”

Approximately one in three people in Australian residential aged care are married.

For example, a couple who live at Bolton Clarke Baycrest residential care home in Hervey Bay celebrated their 80th anniversary on January 20, 2025, highlighting the benefits of couples living together in aged care homes.

As Joan and Alan live in the same aged care home, spending time together is easier, with the couple often seen chatting together and holding hands, even after eight decades together.

With the Aged Care Guide, you can search for aged care homes in locations across Australia with search filters, such as 24/7 registered nursing, secure dementia beds and rooms with ensuites.

Additionally, you can use the ‘couples’ accommodation’ filter to view aged care homes that allow couples to continue living together without needing to be separated in different facilities or rooms. Some aged care homes may have double or interconnected rooms designed for couples wishing to stay close.

If you’re looking to access aged care services at the same time as your partner, being assessed for aged care services through the Single Assessment System is important.

On December 9, 2024, the Single Assessment System replaced the previous aged care assessment system. Every approved assessor can deliver an assessment for each level of support, whether in-home or residential care. More information can be found in this Aged Care Guide: what’s changing in aged care in 2025? 

However, other aged care home options are available for older people who aren’t interested in couples’ accommodation. 

Some facilities also offer short-term respite care alongside traditional aged care services if you or your carer require a short break. 

Other factors may guide an older person into certain aged care settings, such as the loss of a husband or wife. Coupled with other health factors, you may find this is the right location to live in during your senior years.

While romantic love is celebrated by many people on Valentine’s Day, the love between family members and friends is also cherished. 

Respect Day Therapy Centre in Launceston held a high tea and lunch on Valentine’s Day last year, called Special Persons’ Day. Clients were treated to live music, games and trivia, as well as quality time with their loved ones. 

Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator at Anam Cara Bronwyn Dawe spoke to Wesley Mission Queensland about the importance of connection for older Australians. 

“Valentine’s Day is a great reminder on [sic] how important it is to create meaningful connections in our aged care communities — like Anam Cara — to build enriching lives, even into our old age,” she said.

Valentine’s Day activities in aged care homes for residents may include arts and crafts, looking through photos of loved ones, spending time with visitors and enjoying a Valentine’s Day-themed film.

Check with your loved ones in aged care about their feelings toward Valentine’s Day. If they are widowed, they may not want to participate in the festivities. Loved ones in aged care can experience loneliness, so visiting a loved one or giving them a phone call could make all the difference.

What aged care living arrangement would suit you the most?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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