A group representing elderly New Zealanders says basic needs are not being met in rest homes, despite improvements to how they are audited.
The Audit Office has looked at how changes to the way rest homes are inspected has influenced the quality of care.
The Auditor-General says although the certification process for rest homes has improved, it is not clear the quality of the care of residents is better.
Age Concern adviser Louise Collins says many rest homes are still too short-staffed to provide proper care.
The Audit Office report says the Ministry of Health needs to focus on high-risk areas including individual care plans, infection control, medicines management, falls and nutrition.
