The Newsroom

A year on from announcing the early-stage integration of its new platform, MirusPlus, Mirus Australia has announced its launch, with expanded capabilities.

A new industry poll has revealed widespread uncertainty and operational challenges among aged care providers as the sector prepares for the introduction of the Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) framework.

Occupancy has also increased after two months of decline, while the days from request to reassessment have fallen industry-wide by close to 20 per cent.

In a surprising turn for the Australian aged care sector, February has witnessed an unanticipated spike in room price activity, bucking typical quarterly trends and signalling potential shifts in market dynamics.

But the number of providers increasing their highest and lowest room prices has started to rise again, after a December drop.

About 56% of aged care homes have Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs) above $550,00, according to the latest data from aged care consultants Mirus.

The latest data from Mirus Australia reveals a slight easing in delivered care minutes in December 2025, alongside a notable year-on-year rise in advertised room prices across the aged care sector.

The end of 2025 also saw a slight decrease in occupancy, which Mirus Australia attributes to declines in respite use.

As a result of the increase in admissions, occupancy rose two percentage points in October to 92.3%.

This month sees a 68 per cent fall in the number of providers making changes to their advertised room prices, which data scientist Tyler Fisher tells AAA is likely because homes inclined to take action on prices have already done so.

Alongside a boost to NPBT in the residential care sector, the department’s latest data snapshot shows an increase in total care minutes.

With just weeks to go until the new Aged Care Act and Strengthened Quality Standards take effect, most aged care providers remain uncertain about how ready they truly are for the changes.

A new poll by Mirus Australia shows the sector is divided in its reform readiness and unconvinced of the government and regulators’ ability to support providers through the transition.

Advertised room prices have also risen, but only by 88 homes, which Mr Fisher tells AAA is an indication that many are waiting to see the impact before making further changes.

The latest Mirus Industry Analysis (MIA) Factsheet for October 2025 shows that total care minutes delivered across residential aged care homes decreased slightly in September, while Registered Nurse (RN) time and occupancy both rose.

Occupancy rates are finally back above 90%, but the story behind the numbers is far less stable. Admissions mix, staffing minutes, and capital pricing are pulling in opposite directions, creating a sector that looks strong on paper but is showing cracks beneath the surface.

Industry data shows providers have once again exceeded care minute and registered nurse minute targets, which reflects current funding levels Tyler Fisher tells AAA.

The aged care sector has “shot past” the care minute target of 215 minutes per resident per day, reaching 220.47 minutes for July 2025, signifying a 3.35 per cent increase since June – according to Mirus Australia’s latest benchmarking report.