The 5 best aged care in Canberra for comfort, compassion, and peace of mind
I’ve spent days reading through service details, community feedback, and review sites to find the aged care homes in Canberra that really stand out.
While I haven’t personally lived in these communities (and I hope that’s decades away!), I’ve gone deep into the fine print, staff credentials, and the little touches that families actually care about, like meal quality and emotional support.
If you’re trying to help a parent, grandparent, or even yourself find the right place to grow older with dignity, this list should point you in the right direction.
How much does aged care cost in Canberra?
Residential aged care typically starts at around $55 to $75 per day for basic daily fees, with additional accommodation and care fees ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per week, depending on care needs.
1. Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre
Address: 1-7 Rivett Place, Rivett
Phone: 02 6288 1488
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Burrangiri is a specialist in respite care, which is perfect for carers who need a break or older adults easing into longer-term aged care. The centre is run by The Salvation Army and is known for its warm, home-like setting and personalised attention.
Rooms are private, and communal areas are designed to encourage socialisation and participation in daily activities. The short-term nature of their stays doesn’t compromise the level of dignity and support provided.
That said, the focus on respite means it’s not a permanent care home, which may not suit those needing ongoing residential care. Also, weekend access is limited, which could pose scheduling issues.
Careful, caring, considerate staff
“We had my mother in regular respite care at Burrangiri for one week a month for a year in 2021-22. We couldn’t have asked for better care – the staff were caring, careful, considerate and did their absolute best to work with my mother’s physical and memory limitations. They made sure that she engaged in activities and sat her with people she could talk with at meal times. They were immediately responsive to any of the family’s requests for care, medication changes, or more socialising. I highly recommend Burrangiri and its staff for aged respite care.”
– Mary C, Google Review
Well-managed centre
“My 89-year-old mum spent 10days at Burrangiri for respite care. After being let down by other respite centres, Burrangiri has ticked all the boxes. The staff are very friendly, the meals are fabulous, the entire centre is well managed and very clean. My mum was very happy being there which made our respite time away stress-free also. Burrangiri Respite and Day Centre is absolutely the best care for the elderly we have come across in Canberra. Keep up the good work. We will be back 👍”
– Lee and Gerry Johnson, Google Review
2. RSL LifeCare – Fred Ward Gardens Residential Aged Care
Address: 38 Theodore St, Curtin
Phone: 02 6122 9300 / 1300 232 564
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fred Ward Gardens Residential Aged Care is part of the RSL LifeCare network, and is deeply tied to Canberra’s veteran community. But make no mistake, non-veterans are just as welcome.
I found their 115-bed facility to be impressively well-resourced, with registered nurses on duty 24/7 and an active lifestyle team organising events, exercise classes, and music therapy. Their accommodation is clean and practical, although not the flashiest.
It’s a solid choice for families looking for security, affordability, and staff who treat residents with patience and respect. However, some rooms can be a bit dated in design, and a few reviews mention slower-than-ideal response times to calls.
Nice atmosphere
“Mum has just moved in and after a couple of days of adjustment to her new surroundings, is enjoying her new life. Very helpful staff, kind and friendly. Nice atmosphere, and well situated between 2 primary schools and a daycare centre. A big plus as mum gets to watch the children going to and from school and see them playing in the playground from her bedroom window.”
– Renata Davidson, Google Review
Amazing aged care home
“Amazing aged care home. Beautiful caring staff, good food, lots of activities for the residents.”
– Andrew Agnew, Google Review
3. Goodwin Village Ainslie
Address: 35 Bonney Street, Ainslie
Phone: 02 6175 5001
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This one really stood out to me for its emphasis on both independence and clinical care. Goodwin Village Ainslie offers suites that feel more like hotel rooms than hospital quarters, and its residents have access to salon services and on-site physiotherapy.
It’s designed for ageing in place, with memory support options for those with cognitive decline. While premium features come with higher fees, families seem to feel they are worth it, especially given the focus on individualised care plans.
A small drawback is the waitlist for rooms, which can be frustrating if you are looking to move in quickly.
Simply amazing
“My father was a resident in the Dementia care unit, and the care he received from all the staff at Goodwin Ainslie was simply amazing – everyone approached my father with empathy and grace. At Goodwin, my father was able to feel that he had a purpose in life – the staff encouraged him to follow his interests and enabled him to complete tasks he cared about. They also took the time to get to know him and had the patience to enable him to feel at home. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Goodwin, it’s a very special place.”
– Karin Raven, Google Review
Treats residents well
“My Mum is chair-bound and needs staff help if she is to move at all. They treat her so well, with affection and some humour, with numerous transfers from chair to chair. Staff are lovely.”
– Robyn Morgan, Google Review
4. LDK Greenway Views
Address: 260 Soward Way, Greenway
Phone: 1300 535 000
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
LDK Greenway Views is not just an aged care provider; it’s a luxury retirement community that also offers 24/7 nursing support. What I liked most was their “One Move Promise,” which means that residents never have to relocate as their needs change.
Apartments are spacious, and the atmosphere feels more like a lifestyle resort than a care home. However, with all that elegance comes a higher price tag.
It’s not the most budget-friendly choice, and you need to apply and go through a detailed eligibility assessment. Still, the services, from their wellness classes to housekeeping, are hard to beat.
PROS
Impressive staff and residents relationship
“Great relationship between the staff and residents. When I visited, I was so impressed with the joyful expressions of the residents and the noticeable positive interaction with the staff. It left me feeling quite happy that the marketing material was actually reflected in reality. Congratulations to all the staff.”
– Mac Thomson, Google Review
I’m very happy and love it here.
“I’ve been living in Greenway Views for nearly a year. I had seen other villages but most apartments were for couples. My one-bedroom apartment here is perfect for a single person. It has a lovely terrace looking at the gum trees and town centre. Through my home care plan, I receive cleaning services and have a car to take me to physio and other appointments. I’m very happy and love it here.”
– Laurel Mooney, Google Review
5. BaptistCare Griffith Centre Aged Care Home
Address: 45 Blaxland Crescent Griffith
Phone: 02 6195 6600 / 1300 275 227
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
BaptistCare Griffith Centre Aged Care Home has earned a strong reputation for its people-first approach and inclusive, compassionate care. The feedback I read often highlights the warmth and attentiveness of the staff, creating a sense of community.
The facility is also known for dementia care, with dedicated memory support environments and staff who are trained in dementia communication. The rooms are functional and clean, though not overly modern.
The Centre’s Christian values guide its compassionate care approach, though it warmly welcomes residents of all beliefs. Some reviews noted that staff turnover can affect consistency in care, but overall satisfaction remains high.
One of the better sites in Canberra
“Pretty big facility this one. Caters for people of all walks of life and is certainly one of the better sites in Canberra in terms of facilities and cleanliness.”
– Thien Vuong (fooderarri), Google Review
Welcoming experience
“Welcoming experience as we entertained Dementia Ward residents. This was a rather emotional experience interacting with some residents.”
– Chris Hopman, Google Review