The first 30 days after your parent moves into care
The transition into residential care is a cliff edge for families — you've made the decision, but nobody tells you what happens next, what to watch for, or what the provider is legally required to do. This guide covers all three.
In short: Within 14 days, the provider must have a care and services plan in place and hold a care review meeting. Use this guide to track what should happen in each phase, monitor care quality, and know your parent's rights if things go wrong.
By Steve Hadfield, AgedCareActionPlan.au · Last updated: 25 April 2026
Your parent's rights under the Aged Care Act 2024
✓Make decisions about their own life — including decisions others may disagree with
✓Be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion at all times
✓Have their identity, culture, and diversity valued
✓Receive safe and high-quality care and services
✓Make complaints free from reprisal — the provider cannot penalise a resident for complaining
✓Have complaints dealt with fairly, promptly, and transparently
0 of 12 items checked off
Day 1–3
What should happen immediately after admission
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Welcome meeting
The facility should introduce key staff — your parent's primary nurse, their key contact person, and the care manager. If this doesn't happen, ask for it.
Medication handover
All medications from hospital or home must be reviewed and reconciled. Ask the nurse to confirm every medication has been transferred correctly and that nothing was missed.
Personal items documented
A list of personal items brought in (clothing, mobility aids, hearing aids, glasses) should be created and signed. This protects against loss or damage claims later.
Emergency contacts confirmed
The facility must have your contact details, a second contact, and any advance care directive or power of attorney on file.
Day 7–14
What the provider is legally required to do within two weeks
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Days 14–30
What to monitor during the first month
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What to ask at the first care review meeting
1What are my parent's specific care needs as identified in the assessment, and how does the care plan address each one?
2Who is my parent's primary nurse or key contact person, and how do I reach them?
3What activities are available and how are residents encouraged to participate?
4What is the process if my parent's condition changes or deteriorates?
5How and when will I be contacted if there is a fall, health concern, or incident?
6What is the complaints process and how do I make a formal complaint if needed?
What to do if you have concerns about care quality
1Raise it with the care manager in writing — email is fine. Be specific: date, what you observed, what you expected. Give them 5 business days to respond.
2If unresolved, contact OPAN (1800 700 600) for free independent advocacy. OPAN can attend meetings with the facility on your behalf.
3For serious or safety concerns, contact the ACQSC (1800 951 822). The ACQSC can investigate and require the provider to make changes. Available 24/7 for urgent safety concerns.
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