To help families compare homes, the Australian Government publishes a star rating for every residential aged care home on the My Aged Care website. Each home gets an overall rating from one to five stars. It is a useful starting point - as long as you understand what sits behind it.
What the overall rating is built from
The overall star rating combines four separate sub-categories, each rated on its own:
- Residents' Experience - based on interviews with residents themselves about how they feel about their care. Many people weight this most heavily, and for good reason.
- Staffing - measures the care minutes residents receive, including time with registered nurses, against targets.
- Compliance - reflects the home's regulatory record with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
- Quality Measures - tracks clinical indicators such as falls, pressure injuries and medication management.
How to use star ratings well
Think of the rating as a filter, not a verdict. It is a good way to shortlist homes and spot any that raise concerns. But a number can never capture warmth, atmosphere, or whether your parent will feel at home. Use the ratings to narrow your list, then always visit in person to make the final call.
You can look up any home's star rating using the find-a-provider tool on My Aged Care. When you visit, our tour checklist helps you look beyond the numbers.