What are Star Ratings for residential aged care?

Exploring the Star Rating System

The Star Ratings system, an initiative by the Australian Government, aims to assist older Australians and their representatives in making informed decisions regarding aged care services. Through assessments conducted by the Australian Government, each government-funded aged care home is assigned a Star Rating. These ratings serve as a straightforward means of conveying information about the quality of care offered by these homes and how they compare to others. Since December 2022, Star Ratings have been accessible for all residential aged care services on My Aged Care. 

Commitment to Quality at Estia Health

At Estia Health, we are dedicated to consistently enhancing the quality of care and services for our residents. Collaborating with governmental bodies and aged care regulators, we actively participate in the ongoing reform program within aged care. Recognising our pivotal role in ensuring older Australians have access to high-quality, safe, and affordable residential aged care, we strive to meet their evolving needs.

Understanding the Benefits and Significance of Star Ratings

In response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Star Ratings were developed to provide a simple and transparent way to assess the quality of aged care homes. These ratings offer several benefits: 

• Enhanced comprehension of the performance of each residential aged care home 
• The ability to compare against other homes using consistent quality measures nationwide 
• Visibility of continuous improvement efforts through improved Star Ratings
• A platform to showcase a home's performance and the quality of care provided to residents. 

 

When utilising the Find a provider tool on the My Aged Care website to check an aged care home's Star Rating, users encounter an overall rating ranging from 1 to 5 stars. A higher number of stars indicates superior quality care across four key performance areas. 

Components of Star Ratings

The Star Ratings are based on four crucial areas relevant to older Australians and their families when selecting residential aged care: 

1. Quality Indicators (15%): Measures an aged care service's performance relative to five different quality indicators.

2. Service Compliance (30%): Evaluates a home's compliance with clinical and quality standards established by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

3. Resident Experience (33%): Scores derived from interviews with a sample of older Australians residing in aged care facilities regarding their overall experiences.

4. Staffing Minutes (22%): Provides information on clinical staffing levels relative to targets set by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

1.  

Detailed Breakdown: 

Service Compliance:

A residential aged care home's overall Star Rating is influenced by its compliance rating, which reflects its adherence to regulatory standards. Sanctioned homes or those found to retaliate against complaints receive lower ratings, regardless of performance in other areas. 

Compliance:

Responsibility for compliance ratings lies with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. These ratings, indicating a home's fulfillment of its obligations, may fluctuate based on commission findings. 

Staffing:

Rather than fixed staff ratios, emphasis is placed on care minutes provided by various staff categories, aligning with individual care needs. Mandated minimum care minute targets, including registered nurse time, are gradually increasing to ensure adequate staffing levels. 

Resident experiences:

Annual independent surveys gather feedback from residents on various aspects of care and management. Estia Health conducts biannual surveys to gauge satisfaction levels among residents and families, maintaining a focus on continuous improvement. 

The Importance of Personal Experience

While Star Ratings offer valuable insights, firsthand experience remains crucial in choosing suitable residential care. Touring facilities allows individuals and families to observe staff interactions, living conditions, and overall atmosphere, aiding in informed decision-making. 

At Estia Health we encourage prospective residents, family members, and caregivers to visit our homes and witness firsthand how we prioritise the wellbeing and comfort of our residents. Through our commitment to quality and continuous improvement, we aim to provide exceptional care tailored to individual needs.