Smoking and Aged Care Homes
12 November 2025
Request from a Senior Social Worker in a major Hospital
We recently received this request from a Senior Social Worker in a major Metropolitan Hospital:
" Good morning, Just wondering if you can assist with a patient who is currently in our Hospital awaiting a RACF placement. The social workers report they have referred him to ~ 35 facilities however his smoking status has been a barrier.
They report facilities advising he will need to have ceased smoking for 6 months prior to him being eligibility. His family are now open to a large area ranging in the Northern suburbs. We are wondering if broker assistance would be helpful to increase his placement chances? Let me know your thoughts and if you think you have availability to take this client on. Thanks - Senior Social Worker, Disability & Complex Discharge."
Smoking and Aged Care: What You Need to Know
As people grow older and their health needs change, many start thinking about residential aged care. But for people who smoke, finding a placement can be surprisingly difficult. Over recent years, more aged care homes have introduced strict no-smoking policies — and in some cases, they simply won’t accept residents who smoke.
This doesn’t mean there are no options, but it does mean that careful planning and honest conversations are important. Understanding how smoking affects aged care placements can help you make informed decisions and avoid disappointment later on.
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Understanding the Challenge
Not so long ago, smoking was quite common in residential care. Many older Australians grew up in a time when cigarettes were part of everyday life. But things have changed dramatically.
These days, aged care homes are far more focused on health, safety, and creating a comfortable environment for everyone — residents, staff, and visitors alike. With stronger rules about fire safety and exposure to second-hand smoke, many providers have chosen to become completely smoke-free.
This shift can make it difficult for people who still smoke to find a placement, especially if they need higher levels of care or supervision. Some facilities may ask that residents have stopped smoking for several months before they can be accepted. Others might only allow smoking in specific outdoor areas, and often only under supervision.
For many older people, this feels like another loss of independence — and that’s completely understandable. But knowing how the system works can help you plan ahead and find a good fit that respects your choices while meeting care standards.
Government Regulations and Aged Care Standards
Aged care homes in Australia must follow strict government rules that protect the health and safety of all residents. These come under the Aged Care Quality Standards, which set out expectations for safe environments, quality care, and resident wellbeing.
When it comes to smoking, there are a few key factors that influence a facility’s policy:
- Health and safety obligations: Care providers must protect residents, staff, and visitors from exposure to second-hand smoke. That includes ensuring indoor and shared spaces remain smoke-free.
- Fire safety: Smoking materials can pose a real fire risk, particularly when oxygen equipment or mobility limitations are involved. Some facilities simply don’t have the resources to manage that risk safely.
- Work health and safety laws: Employers also have a legal duty to protect their staff, which includes limiting exposure to smoke or unsafe conditions.
- Accreditation and insurance requirements: In some cases, insurers and regulatory bodies require facilities to be smoke-free to maintain coverage and compliance.
Each aged care home interprets these regulations a little differently, depending on their layout, staffing, and philosophy of care. That’s why it’s always best to ask early about a facility’s smoking policy before submitting an application.
Why Some Aged Care Homes Decline Smokers
It can feel frustrating or even unfair, but there are a few very practical reasons why some aged care homes choose not to accept residents who smoke:
- Health of other residents: Many residents have chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, or COPD. Exposure to second-hand smoke can worsen these conditions, so homes often take a cautious approach.
- Fire and safety concerns: Smoking increases the risk of accidental fires, especially for residents who are less mobile or use oxygen therapy. Homes need to ensure everyone’s safety, which sometimes means a strict no-smoking policy.
- Insurance and compliance rules: Some facilities’ insurance policies only cover smoke-free environments. Accepting smokers could jeopardize coverage or lead to compliance issues.
- Staffing and supervision: Residents who smoke may need supervision while doing so, particularly if they have mobility or cognitive challenges. Not all facilities have the staff or resources to manage this safely.
While it’s understandable to feel disappointed, knowing the reasons behind these policies can help you plan and identify facilities that can meet your needs safely.
What Options Are Available for Smokers
Even though some aged care homes have strict no-smoking rules, there are options for people who smoke — you just need to know where to look and what to ask.
- Homes with designated smoking areas: Some facilities allow smoking in specific outdoor spaces. These are usually carefully supervised and designed to minimize risk to other residents.
- Regional and rural facilities: In certain areas, policies may be a little more flexible. Smaller or regional homes sometimes have outdoor areas where smoking is permitted.
- Transition support: Some aged care providers offer support for residents who are willing to reduce or quit smoking gradually. This can open more placement options and improve your overall health.
- Planning ahead: The earlier you start looking and discussing your smoking habits with homes, the better. It gives you more choices and helps prevent last-minute stress when care needs increase.
It’s important to be honest about your smoking habits during the placement process — hiding it can create problems later. By being upfront, you and your family can work with the facility to find a solution that is safe, practical, and respectful of your needs.
Preparing for Placement if You Smoke
- Ask the right questions early: Before visiting a facility, check their smoking policy. Find out if there are designated smoking areas, whether supervision is required, and if there are any restrictions on timing or location.
- Be honest about your smoking habits: Let the facility know how often you smoke and any special needs you might have. This transparency helps them plan your care safely.
- Consider your health and care needs: If you require higher levels of care, some homes may have stricter rules. Understanding how your health impacts placement options will help you make realistic choices.
- Prepare supporting information: Sometimes, a note from your doctor about your ability to smoke safely, or a plan for supervised smoking, can help a facility accommodate you.
- Plan for alternatives: Even if you hope to continue smoking, it’s wise to research homes that are completely smoke-free. This gives you backup options if your first choice isn’t available.
Taking these steps early gives you more control over your placement and helps ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into aged care.
Smoking Cessation and Support Programs
- Quit programs for older adults: There are programs specifically designed for seniors, which take into account your health, habits, and lifestyle. These can include counselling, nicotine replacement therapies, and support groups.
- Health benefits, even later in life: Quitting smoking at any age can improve lung and heart health, reduce risks of infections, and even enhance energy levels. It can also make daily care easier if mobility or chronic conditions are an issue.
- Support from aged care providers: Some facilities offer guidance or programs to help residents reduce or stop smoking gradually. They understand it’s a big change and can provide encouragement and resources along the way.
- Community resources: Local health services, pharmacies, and online programs can provide free or low-cost support, including coaching, apps, and practical tips to help manage cravings.
Even if you aren’t ready to quit completely, exploring these options can give you more flexibility in choosing an aged care home and can support your health for years to come.
Case Studies and Real-World Experiences
- Mary’s Story: Mary, 78, had been a lifelong smoker. When it was time to move into aged care, she found many facilities would not accept her. By being upfront about her habits, Mary discovered a home with a supervised outdoor smoking area. She now enjoys a safe, social environment while still having the option to smoke occasionally.
- John’s Journey: John, 82, decided to participate in a senior-focused quit program before seeking placement. Within a few months, he reduced his smoking significantly. This opened doors to several smoke-free facilities that offered him the level of care he needed.
- Family Perspective: Sometimes, families play a key role. For one couple, understanding each home’s policy and planning early made the transition smoother. They were able to find a placement that met both safety requirements and the resident’s preferences.
These stories show that while smoking can present challenges, thoughtful planning, honesty, and exploring available support options can help seniors and their families find a solution that works.
How Aged Care Connect Can Help
- Personalised guidance: We take the time to understand your needs, preferences, and lifestyle, including any smoking considerations, so we can find a home that’s the right fit.
- Practical support: From researching homes and checking smoking policies to arranging visits and assisting with applications, we handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.
- Advocacy and planning: We work with you and your family to ensure your voice is heard, your needs are respected, and your transition into care is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
- Peace of mind: Our goal is to help you feel confident and comfortable in your new home — knowing you’re safe, supported, and still enjoying as much independence as possible.
With Aged Care Connect by your side, navigating aged care options as a smoker doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re here to help you find a solution that works for your health, safety, and lifestyle.
The Next Step
Finding an aged care home as a smoker can feel challenging, but it’s far from impossible. The key is planning ahead, being honest, and exploring all your options.
Every person’s situation is different, and what works for one resident may not work for another. By understanding aged care policies, asking the right questions, and considering available support programs, you can make informed choices that balance your health, independence, and personal preferences.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With the right guidance — whether through family, friends, or a service like Aged Care Connect — you can find a placement that feels safe, comfortable, and respectful of your lifestyle.
Your future in aged care can be positive, empowering, and tailored to your needs. Planning early and knowing your options makes all the difference.
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