From 1st July 2024, the residential aged care system will implement changes that will help give seniors more control selecting an aged care home of their choice. If people are unhappy at their current aged care home, they will have more flexibility to move as their place is allocated to them, not the aged care home.

More nurses delivering more care – Every aged care home across Australia must have a registered nurse available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. This helps make sure people living in aged care homes have access to the care they need, when they need it. These hours will increase in October 2024. Each aged care home has its care minutes updated every 3 months, based on the needs of the residents. Care minutes contribute to each aged care home’s Staffing Star Rating.

The Residents’ Experience Survey will offer residents an opportunity to share their views on the care they receive at their aged care home. This feedback will help residents to have their needs and requests heard. This will contribute to each aged care home’s Residents’ Experience Star Ratings.

There is also a National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program that measures important aspects of care that affect a resident’s health and wellbeing. There are 11 quality indicators ranging from weight loss and incontinence care to consumer experience and quality of life. Residential aged care providers report on this data quarterly, which provides an evidence base that can be used to improve the quality of services provided to people living in aged care homes. Quality indicators also contribute to an aged care home’s Quality Measures Star Rating.

Food and nutrition – Delicious and nutritious meals and a positive dining experience are important parts of living a healthy and happy life. There are changes to improve the quality of life for seniors living in aged care homes through initiatives to “improve food and nutrition”.

Maggie Beer has introduced – ‘Improving Food in Aged Care through an Education and Training’ program. This program aims to support aged care chefs and cooks to source, prepare and serve nutritious and delicious food.

If you have questions or concerns about the food, nutrition or dining experience in an aged care home please call the Nutrition and Dining Hotline – 1800 844 044

To read more about these changes please view here – Places to people – Changes for Residential Care 2024