A five-star rating system was just one of the options considered in a report commissioned by the federal Government on how to best match people with available aged care homes.

"In the same way that Michelin Guides are based on the view of real consumers who go around judging the merits of restaurants, older people could interview aged care home residents in order to reach a view about the standard of accommodation," the report by La Trobe University's Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care says.

But the report, obtained by The Australian under Freedom of Information legislation, finds a rating system that could be used by a matchmaking agency not dissimilar to a travel agent is not feasible at present, because long waiting lists mean most people have no choice.

It questions how useful a ratings system is "given normal market mechanisms do not operate within the aged care home industry, and the paucity of current vacancies limits the choices consumers actually have".

In the absence of being able to compare the quality of facilities, the report suggests providing a consistent profile on individual homes with the essential information being its location, whether there are vacancies, and the costs, including extras for services such as laundry, as well as who controls the money.

"Factors such as urgent need for admission, limited availability of beds and the desire to be close to family or friends compromises any real choice. A rating system at this time may be of little value to most consumers," the report says.

"A central issue for any ranking system that allows comparison of quality is that it relies on agreed and consistent quality indicators.

"Currently in Australia, these do not exist. This is a fundamental obstacle to introducing a standards rating system at this time."

By Justine Ferrari

Article from www.theaustralian.news.com.au