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Residents feel more at home, but food and costs still sour aged care experience

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

Residents feel more at home, but food and costs still sour aged care experience

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

Older Australians are feeling more comfortable and empowered in aged care, but satisfaction with food and accommodation costs remains a sticking point, according to new data from Mirus Australia.

The latest analysis, compiled by Mirus Data Scientist Ty Fisher, offers a snapshot of how residents and providers are adapting to reforms under the New Aged Care Act and Strengthened Standards.

“Our data shows a clear story of progress, but also persistent gaps,” Fisher said. “We’re seeing meaningful improvements in areas tied to independence and comfort, but there are still challenges in deeply personal areas like food, where change isn’t easily achieved through policy alone.”

Comfort Up, Confidence Growing

Across the sector, residents are reporting stronger feelings of independence and belonging.

Responses to key experience questions show marked improvements over the past three years:

  • The number of residents who “always” feel at home rose from 40% to 60%.
  • Those who say they have a say in their daily activities increased from 50% to nearly 70%.
  • The share encouraged “to do as much as possible for themselves” climbed from under 50% to almost 60%.

 

“These are genuine gains that reflect a cultural shift within aged care,” Fisher said. “Providers are doing the hard work to make environments feel more like home.”

Food Still a Weak Spot

Despite reform momentum, food satisfaction remains stubbornly low.

“Food is emotional,” Fisher explained. “It speaks to choice, culture, and comfort — things that regulation can’t easily capture. Improvement here will come from innovation and leadership within organisations, not just compliance.”

The finding points to one of aged care’s most enduring challenges: creating a sense of home and dignity that extends beyond measurable compliance targets.

Affordability Pressure Mounts

While resident experience is trending up, financial pressure across the sector is intensifying. Nearly three-quarters of aged care services have increased their room prices this year — many more than once — following a rise in the maximum Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) allowed without prior approval.

“The question we’re asking is whether higher prices are leading to better experiences,” Fisher said.

According to Mirus’ latest industry poll, 70% of respondents believe the new legislation will bring improvements, though gaps will remain. Only 18% expect significant progress, and 12% remain unsure or sceptical, suggesting optimism tempered by realism.

Looking ahead, Fisher said accommodation pricing and affordability are key issues under government review, with consultations continuing on the balance between RADs and DAPs (Daily Accommodation Payments).

“The New Aged Care Act is a significant step forward,” Fisher said. “But no single reform can deliver the full transformation we want to see. The next phase of progress will depend on how providers use data, transparency, and collaboration to continually improve the experience for older Australians.”

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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