Choosing an aged care facility for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In Australia, the Aged Care Facility Star Rating System was introduced to assist in this process by providing a transparent way to compare the quality of residential aged care homes. Launched in October 2021, this system rates facilities from 1 to 5 stars based on key performance indicators, helping older Australians and their families make informed choices.
How the Star Rating System Works
The Star Rating System evaluates aged care facilities across four sub-categories, each contributing to an overall rating:
- Residents’ Experience (33% of overall rating):
- This is based on an annual Residents’ Experience Survey, where at least 20% of residents are interviewed. The survey includes 12 questions about care quality, staff interactions, and living environment. Responses are scored from 1 (never) to 4 (always), and the average score determines the rating. For example, a score of 45-48 points earns 5 stars (excellent), while below 30 points results in 1 star (significant improvement needed).
- Compliance (30%):
- This measures adherence to government regulations, including the Aged Care Quality Standards. Ratings range from 5 stars (accredited for 3+ years with no formal notices) to 1 star (current notices with conditions). Compliance data is updated daily by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, ensuring it reflects the latest regulatory status.
- Staffing (22%):
- This assesses the minutes of care provided by Registered Nurses (RN) and personal care workers compared to government-set targets. Facilities exceeding targets (e.g., 125% of RN targets and 115% of overall targets) receive 5 stars, while those significantly below get 1 star.
- Quality Measures (15%):
- This focuses on five health indicators: pressure injuries, restrictive practices, unplanned weight loss, falls, and medication management. Facilities are rated based on how their performance compares to national averages, with lower rates of negative outcomes resulting in higher stars.
The overall star rating is a weighted average of these sub-categories, with adjustments such as capping based on compliance scores. For instance, a 1-star compliance rating limits the overall rating to 1 star. You can view these ratings using the ‘Find a provider’ tool on the My Aged Care website.
| Sub-Category | Weighting | Assessment Method | Rating Criteria Example (5 Stars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residents’ Experience | 33% | Annual resident survey (12 questions) | Score of 45-48 points (excellent) |
| Compliance | 30% | Regulatory compliance checks | Accredited 3+ years, no notices |
| Staffing | 22% | Care minutes vs. government targets | ≥125% RN and ≥115% overall targets |
| Quality Measures | 15% | Health outcomes vs. national averages | Very low percentage of negative outcomes |
How the Star Rating System can help
The Aged Care Star Rating System in Australia rates aged care homes from 1 to 5 stars based on quality of care, safety, and resident experience. It provides clear, objective information to help families and individuals choose a suitable home, enabling comparisons based on standardised criteria rather than word-of-mouth or marketing.
The system enhances transparency and accountability in aged care by using data from inspections, audits, and resident feedback. It helps consumers select high-quality homes and encourages providers to improve services to achieve better ratings, ultimately raising the standard of care across Australia’s aged care sector.
Is the Star Rating System Working?
Launched in December 2022, Australia’s Aged Care Star Rating System rates aged care homes from one to five stars based on care quality, compliance, staffing, and resident experience. Stemming from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, it aims to enhance transparency and help families choose homes. Recent data shows 62% of homes now hold four or five stars, up from 41%, indicating improved standards.
Despite this, the system faces criticism. A 2023 Commonwealth Ombudsman report noted 150 homes failing safety and care standards yet receiving high ratings, questioning reliability. Critics call the ratings “deceptive,” doubting their reflection of daily care. While evaluations and calls for independent review continue, the system offers both transparency benefits and challenges.
Using the Star Rating System
To use the Star Rating System, visit the My Aged Care website and use the ‘Find a provider’ tool to search for aged care homes by location. You can view their overall star rating and detailed ratings for each sub-category, allowing you to compare facilities based on what matters most to you or your loved one. Ratings are updated periodically, with compliance data refreshed daily and other categories typically updated every three months.
While the star ratings in aged care provide a useful snapshot, they should not be the sole factor in choosing an aged care home. Personal visits, discussions with staff and current residents, and understanding specific care needs are essential for making a well-rounded decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I find the star rating of an aged care home?
To find the star rating of an aged care home in Australia, use the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website. Managed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, this tool allows you to search for residential aged care homes by location or name and view their star ratings, ranging from 1 to 5 stars.
How often are the star ratings updated?
Compliance ratings are updated daily, while other categories are typically refreshed every three months.
Can I trust the star ratings?
The ratings are a helpful starting point but should be combined with personal visits and discussions to ensure the facility meets specific needs.
What if I have concerns about an aged care home?
Contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission or My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 to raise concerns or seek assistance.
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