Total care minutes per resident per day (prpd) increased 1.34% to 212.09 between April and May, while Registered Nurse (RN) minutes rose 1.52% to 43.77, according to aged care advisory firm Mirus Australia in its latest June survey.

The survey, which captures data across 90,000 aged care beds – representing roughly one-third of the residential aged care sector – suggests providers are moving closer to meeting mandated care minute targets.

"This is a big step forward for the sector as it approaches the target of 215 minutes," Mirus noted in its analysis.

Funding penalties drive compliance push

The rise comes as non-specialised providers in Modified Monash Model (MM1) areas face looming financial penalties for failing to meet care minute requirements for the December 2025 quarter.

These penalties are set to take effect in April 2026, increasing the urgency for providers to improve staffing and care delivery.

RAD prices surge following cap increase

Mirus also reported that the average advertised Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) rose to $563,560 in May, marking a 5.6% increase so far in 2025 – and further price hikes are anticipated.

The surge follows the Federal Government’s decision to lift the maximum RAD cap from $550,000 to $750,000, effective 1 January 2025.

"We have seen significant portions of the sector put pricing up since January 2025, with spikes of activity coming in January and April," Mirus stated. 

"We expect to see another significant flurry of price change activity in July."