Star Ratings consultation
From 18 November 2024 - 13 December 2024 we are undertaking a consultation on planned changes to Star Ratings. We are changing the way some of the ratings are calculated, following the commencement of the new Aged Care Act.
A consultation process is now open and is seeking sector feedback on changes to:
- the Compliance rating, related to the regulatory model
- the Staffing rating to incorporate legislated care minutes from 1 October 2025 and to potentially incorporate 24/7 registered nurse requirements
- findings from a recent Star Ratings evaluation.
Older people and their support networks, residential aged care providers and staff, advocates, and peak bodies are encouraged to have their say by 13 December 2024.
Read more about the proposed design changes.
Visit the Consultation Hub for more information and details about how you can participate.
Star Ratings evaluation
An evaluation of Star Ratings is underway. Public consultation activities were held in April to August 2024 and feedback is now closed.
The evaluation sought views on:
- the awareness of Star Ratings among older people and their representatives
- how Star Ratings align with user priorities and needs
- how Star Ratings have improved care quality and outcomes
- possible modifications to Star Ratings to improve quality of care and better align with consumer’s expectations and needs.
Findings from the evaluation will help us to:
- identify areas for improvement
- measure how Star Ratings have improved the quality of care in residential aged care homes
- understand how Star Ratings improve transparency and decision-making about aged care for older people.
Evaluation approach
The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach to gather information. This included gathering information from stakeholders using data collection tools.
Sources of information for the evaluation include:
- Star Ratings program material, relevant policy documents and legislation
- resident survey and interviews
- prospective resident survey and focus groups, including with families or carers of prospective residents
- sector survey and written submission process
- sector interviews, focus groups, and workshops
- service-level performance data.
Star Ratings evaluation engagement is now complete. Feedback is being considered and a report is expected to be provided to the Government in early 2025.
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