Background: Sensory (hearing/vision) loss affects most people living in residential aged care (RAC), yet often remains neglected, compromising their ability to age well. This study examines why care-seeking for sensory impairments breaks down within RAC. Methods: Twenty-nine in-depth interviews with people living in RAC, informal carers, and RAC staff and one focus group discussion with 4 RAC staff were conducted across Australia. Discussions were guided by a topic guide developed using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation – Behaviour framework. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes revealed that (i) despite being aware of sensory impairments, carers find it difficult to differentiate sensory loss from cognitive loss, (ii) hearing and vision are valued; however, sensory losses are normalised as a part of ageing, with care being deferred until impairment becomes profound, (iii) RAC communities lack systems and processes for sensory care, leading to a lack of accountability, (iv) residents’ access to sensory assessments is restricted by carer concerns about their cognitive capacity to participate and lack of awareness that dementia-friendly assessment options and management exist, and (v) residents and carers often do not pursue offsite care due to accessibility challenges, frailty and cognitive impairments, positioning domiciliary services as a preferred alternative. Discussion: Multiple interacting factors contribute to sensory care neglect, with residents heavily reliant on carers and the RAC system. System-level changes that prioritise sensory care and accessible assessment models are essential to improve sensory care delivery and enable residents to age well in RAC communities.