The Australian Government has put older Australians back at the centre of their care, building a high-quality, respectful and sustainable system that is equipped to deliver world-class care older people deserve.
The government’s annual aged care residents’ survey has revealed our reforms have continued to improve the standard of care in residential aged care, and that older Australians feel safe, dignified and empowered in their care.
The 2024 survey provides vital insights into the quality of the services aged care residents receive, and the results make up a third of an aged care home’s Overall Star Rating. This years’ survey captured responses from more than 36,000 residents across 2,603 homes.
Responding more positively compared to the 2023 and 2022 surveys, older Australians in residential aged care have told us their trust is growing in the care they are receiving, and they feel more confident to tailor this care to their needs.
- 95% of surveyed aged care residents said they feel safe in their aged care homes and that staff are kind and caring.
- 91% said they have a say in their daily activities – a 10% increase from 2022.
- 88% said they are encouraged to do things for themselves – an increase of 7% from 2022.
- 88% of residents said they would recommend their aged care home – a 3% increase from 2023.
- 70% of residents said they were satisfied with the food in their home – consistent with previous years’ results.
The Australian Government has taken significant steps to improve quality and variety of food in aged care because we know nutritious, flavoursome food makes all the difference to an older Australian’s health and is integral to their quality of care.
When the new Aged Care Act starts from 1 November, providers will be obligated to meet the new, dedicated, Food and Nutrition Aged Care Quality Standard which raises the bar for providers looking after older Australians in residential care.
Each aged care home’s survey results and information on what they spend on food is available on the Find a Provider tool on My Aged Care.
Read the summary fact sheet of the 2024 Residents’ Experience Survey results.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae:
“Labor’s once-in-a-generation aged care reforms are continuing to improve the lives of older Australians, we’re working hard to raise the standard of care in every aged care home in every corner of Australia.
“We’re proud to be delivering reform that lifts the standard of food in aged care. Eating well is ageing well and every older person in residential aged care deserves the joy of a good meal wherever they live.
“We’re putting older Australians at the centre of their care, building a world-class system that is delivering better care for them every single day.”