The Australian Government is expanding its annual Residents’ Experience Survey, with approximately 43,000 aged care residents set to share their perspectives on care quality this year.
The nationwide survey will increase participation rates by requiring at least 20% of residents from each facility to provide feedback. This expanded approach aims to strengthen accountability for providers while identifying both successful practises and areas needing improvement.
Since the survey’s inception in 2022, about 40% of aged care homes in regional Australia have demonstrated measurable improvements in their results, showing the program’s impact on care quality.
“The survey holds providers to account, it shows what can be improved and helps them to make their care better,” according to Department of Health and Aged Care announcement.
To ensure inclusive participation, the independent survey team is specially trained to communicate with older people from diverse backgrounds, including those who speak languages other than English, have specific cultural requirements, or are living with dementia or disabilities. Interpreters and additional supports can be arranged as needed.
The survey process incorporates several safeguards to ensure authentic feedback. Residents are randomly selected and can choose whether to participate personally or have a family member or friend assist them. All sessions are conducted privately, without staff present, and results remain anonymous.
The feedback collected carries significant weight, accounting for 33% of an aged care home’s overall Star Rating in the national evaluation system.
These ratings are publicly available through the My Aged Care website’s “Find a provider” tool, allowing prospective residents and their families to incorporate current residents’ experiences into their decision-making process when selecting an aged care facility.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
