The government has introduced the Dollars to Care measure, intending to enhance transparency in the aged care sector for older Australians and their families.
This initiative allows individuals to access detailed information regarding aged care service expenditures, including care, food, and wages, as well as contact information and photography of the facilities themselves.
The data aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care, aligning with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The measure highlights that over half of a provider’s expenses are dedicated to resident care. Alongside existing initiatives like Star Ratings for aged care homes, this move aims to reinforce the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The publication of aged care providers’ finances and operations delivers on the Government’s election commitment to increase transparency and accountability around what aged care providers are spending money on”
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells
View the published provider information through the “Find a Provider” tool on the My Aged Care Website.
An ongoing discussion via social media continues to question the validity of the Star Ratings measure and inconsistencies between actual compliance performance, and the star ratings, which in some cases can see a facility fail in several Quality Standards, yet still achieve a 3-star rating or higher. Dr Rodney Jilek, CEO of Community Homes Australia, recently published a guest post for Inside Ageing that looks at this matter…Read it here.
In a media release, Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, highlighted the importance of shedding light on providers’ practices and vows to take action against those failing to meet standards.
Minister Wells underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of older Australians and their families by holding providers accountable for their actions.
