Australians are more than twice as likely to trust the aged care system when they are actively engaging with it. That’s according to Ageing Australia’s Ageing in Australia Community Expectations Report 2026.
The findings suggest that while aged care often faces public scrutiny, the experiences of those directly using the system are generally far more positive than broader community perceptions may indicate.

71 per cent of survey respondents receiving aged care said they were satisfied with the care they received, while 63 per cent of those caring for someone else also reported positive experiences.

Experts say this highlights a growing disconnect between public perceptions of aged care and the lived experiences of those interacting with the sector.

So, what does the data tell us?

What does the report reveal?

A gap between perception and reality

Tom Symondson from Aging Australia says he believes that negative perceptions of aged care are coming from what is reported in the media rather than lived experience.

“People who have direct experience of aged care are far more likely to trust it, but too many Australians are forming views based on things they’ve heard in the past or negative media,” Mr Symondson said.

“That tells us the system is performing better than people think – but we’re not closing the gap between perception and reality.”

He pointed to data that said 88% of aged care residents would recommend their home to others.

Trust in aged care providers as information sources

The data also reveals there is a strong level of trust in aged care providers as information sources. 73% of respondents said they would obtain information about aged care services from an aged care provider. This compares to 21% who said they would source this information from government.

Enhanced sentiment with improved knowledge

The report found that knowledge of Australia’s aged care system was low. Only half of those aged over 65 reported knowledge of seven out of ten of the aged care system. However, once knowledge improved sentiment towards the aged care system improved.

Those currently using the aged care system were most likely to feel positive about the system. Meanwhile, those looking into aged care but not currently using it were most likely to feel negative.

This suggests misinformation or a lack of understanding may be contributing to negative attitudes toward the sector. This highlights the need to enhance education about Australia’s aged care system.

Many Australians may not don’t begin conversations about aged care until they need it urgently, leaving little time to properly understand the services available or how the system works. As a result, perceptions can often be shaped by outdated assumptions rather than current realities.

Experts say this highlights the importance of beginning conversations about aging and care options earlier in life.

As awareness of aged care improves and public confidence in the sector grows, demand for skilled and compassionate aged care workers is likely to remain strong. For jobseekers considering a role in the industry, this presents an opportunity to enter a sector that is increasingly recognised for the vital support it provides to older Australians. Standing out in a competitive hiring market, however, still requires a professional and well-presented application.

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Article References

Ageing In Australia (2026) ‘Ageing In Australia: Community Expectations Report 2026’, Aging In Australia, accessed 16 April 2026.

Lloyd-Jones, K (10 April 2026) ‘Trust in sector strong among those interacting with it’, Australian Aging Agenda, accessed 16 April 2026.