A new study led by Dr Stephanie Harrison from the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) at SAHMRI, has revealed the quality of care being delivered by the country’s aged care facilities is gradually improving following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Over half of long-term care facilities received a 4 or 5-star quality rating between April and June 2023, while only 2% received a low rating of 1 or 2 stars.

A quarter of all facilities saw an increase in star rating over the reporting period, and those with fewer than 60 residents stood out for their superior performance.

However, the proportion of small facilities has declined dramatically over the past decade, dropping from 52% in 2013 to just 34% in 2023, while larger facilities have become more common.

“These smaller facilities are often more homely, allow staff to closely observe residents and tend to have more staff available per resident,” Dr Harrison said.

“It’s crucial that we address the decline in smaller facilities and ensure the aged care sector remains focused on delivering quality over quantity.”

Government-run facilities consistently outperformed not-for-profit and for-profit centres. This aligns with earlier studies showing government facilities often have better care outcomes, including fewer hospitalisations and higher safety standards.

The study also found that facilities in wealthier areas tended to achieve higher ratings, highlighting ongoing challenges for aged care providers in disadvantaged communities. Limited resources, staffing shortages, and a greater need for care in these areas make it harder to deliver the same level of quality.

“The disparity in ratings between wealthier and disadvantaged areas is concerning,” Dr Harrison said.

“We need targeted support for facilities in these communities to ensure they have the resources to provide high-quality care.”

How residents experience care is a key driver of improvement in ratings; emphasising the importance of listening to their feedback to assess and improve care standards.

“These results remind us that residents’ voices are vital in understanding what’s working and where improvements are needed,” Dr Harrison said.

“We must continue to monitor care quality and adapt to ensure the best outcomes for all Australians.”