One of the first questions families ask me is how long the wait will be.
It is a simple question, but has a complex answer. Understanding what to realistically expect with admission times and how facilities are managing their waiting lists can make an enormous difference to how this process unfolds for your family.
In May 2026, the Federal Government published its first-ever national report on aged care wait times. For the first time, we have real data on how long people are actually waiting from the moment they apply through to the day they move into care. The figures are worth understanding, and I want to walk you through what they mean for families here in Perth.
So, How Long Is the Wait?
The typical wait for ongoing residential aged care is around six months.
You may have seen headlines quoting a figure closer to thirteen months. That higher number is the average, and it is pulled upward by a smaller group of people who wait significantly longer than most. When you look at what the majority of people actually experience, six months is a more realistic picture for most families.
What About Here in Western Australia?
The good news is that WA actually has the shortest average wait time of any state or territory in Australia.
But shorter wait times do not tell the whole story. Most aged care homes in Perth are already nearly full, operating at an average occupancy rate of 96.5 per cent. And a separate report released earlier this year found that WA will need between 1,600 and 2,700 additional residential aged care beds by 2030. Building a new facility takes four to five years from planning through to opening, which means the pressure on available places is likely to increase over the coming years.
None of this means families cannot find good care right now. It does mean that the earlier you start planning, the more options you will have and the less under pressure you will feel.
Why Families So Often Get Caught Out
In my experience, very few families contact me to future plan. Instead, something has usually happened: a fall, a hospital admission, a sudden change that has made the current situation unworkable, and now permanent care is urgently required.
When this happens, families are unprepared, wait times are a shock, and the pressure is immense.
What You Can Do Before You Need To
The most practical thing any family can do is start the process and get your paperwork in order before a crisis arrives.
Firstly, this means registering with My Aged Care and having an aged care assessment as early as possible. The assessment itself does not commit you to anything. It simply establishes approvals for residential care if you were to ever need it.
It is also important to understand the financial side of residential care sooner rather than later. There are several different fees involved covering accommodation, day-to-day care, and living costs, and how much you pay depends on your personal financial situation.
It is more complex than most families expect, and trying to understand it and then make big decisions while in crisis is very difficult. Understanding the costs and having a plan in advance removes one significant layer of stress at an already emotional time.
Having an initial consultation with Navigate Aged Care Solutions can provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to future plan and be prepared.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
Six months doesn’t sound too long, but when you are supporting a loved one who has increased care needs with ongoing practical and emotional support, it can feel like forever.
Understanding the timeline, being prepared and having someone in your corner who supports you through the process can significantly alleviate stress for everyone involved.
At Navigate Aged Care Solutions, I support Perth families through every part of the residential aged care placement process. Whether you are planning ahead or facing an immediate need, I can help you understand where you stand, what your options are, and how to find a home that genuinely suits your loved one.
If you would like to talk through your situation, please get in touch. Together, we can work out the best pathway forward for your family