Opinion: Star Rating, a serious wakeup call

Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) has expressed concern for older Victorians living in aged care facilities that have received low star ratings in the Department of Health and Aged Care’s new assessment system.

The star rating system gives aged care homes a score out of five, based on residents’ experience and feedback, staffing levels, quality measures and compliance.

Debra Nicholl, CEO of Elder Rights Advocacy, said the star rating is an easy to follow and transparent assessment tool showing the level of care provided in every government-owned aged care facility in Australia.

“Invaluable data around clinical and quality indicators, staffing levels and performance against the standards of residential aged care facilities has been gathered to create a more accurate picture on the status of nursing homes,” Nicholl said.

“We have already seen several aged facilities receive low star ratings and the consequences of that must be followed through. These facilities are clearly struggling, and they require further support to lift standards. If they don’t, they may battle to fill beds and remain viable. Therefore, closures are a possibility,” Nicholl said.

Elder Rights Advocacy stressed the importance of consistent and accurate data for the star rating system so that it continues to be a credible assessment tool for older people and their families.

“The data must be gathered directly from the residents and/or their representatives so that it accurately reflects the residents’ experience — the bottom line is that it is the voice of the resident which must be heard in the process. Audits and quality indicators can tell you something about a facility but to really understand if it provides good service weight must be given to the residents’ experience as only this can provide an accurate and insightful evaluation of the facility.

“Current and future residents and their families deserve transparency and clarity when choosing an aged care facility that supports a range of crucial care responsibilities for residents including medication management, falls and nutrition.

“Through this public star rating, we are putting a spotlight on facilities who are not meeting community standards and expectations and, at the same time, showcase the facilities who are meeting those standards.

“Elder Rights advocates Victoria-wide are committed in supporting Victorians on this journey in guiding them through the labyrinth of options with aged care homes.

“And when deciding on an aged care home nothing compares to visiting the facility, engaging with the staff and absorbing the atmosphere. That intimate experience is a real barometer on what to expect from the facility.

“Elder Rights Advocacy welcomes this star-rating in supporting continued accountability. We are confident that this is a serious wake-up call for a number of Homes which need to improve their services. Older people deserve that," Nicholl concluded.

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