Public consultation notice
The Department of Health and Aged Care is undertaking a public consultation process on the revised Aged Care Quality Standards from 17 October to 25 November 2022. Everyone connected to the aged care sector – aged care recipients, families and carers, providers, workers, experts and peaks – is encouraged to take part. For more information, read our Latest news update.
Access resources
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has developed resources to help you understand what the Aged Care Quality Standards mean in practice. These include a short video, fact sheets and other resources. Some resources are available in multiple languages.
What are the Aged Care Quality Standards?
On 1 July 2019, the Quality Standards came into effect. They apply to all Australian Government subsidised aged care services. The Quality Standards clearly define what good aged care should look like.
The Quality Standards make it easier to check that people receive good care. Good care is not about 'ticking boxes'. It's about them caring for you and your individual needs.
Watch the video below to see what the new Quality Standards mean for you in practice. View the translated versions of this video.
Each Quality Standard says what you, the consumer, can expect. Your aged care provider has to meet an 'outcome'. They must also demonstrate how they are meeting that outcome.
Download the A2 poster listing the Consumer Outcome statements. You can also download the translated versions of the A3 poster.
There are 8 standards, and each one is about an aspect of care that contributes to your safety, health and well-being. The graphic shows you which part of your care these standards relate to, or you can see the list below:
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Consumer dignity and choice
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Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
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Personal care and clinical care
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Services and supports for daily living
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Organisation’s service environment
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Feedback and complaints
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Human resources
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Organisational governance
Most people know what good care feels like
The staff are friendly and respectful, and they respond to your particular needs. You are well cared for by people who know their jobs. You have people to talk to about the things that matter to you. The organisation providing the care is well-run.
What you can expect in aged care
It doesn’t matter whether you are getting care at home or you are living in a residential service. It doesn't matter who you are, where you live, your life experience, identity, beliefs or culture. Every person receiving care has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have their personal and clinical needs attended to.
If you believe your care isn’t up to the standard that you expect, let someone know. Raising concerns isn’t ‘being difficult', it is a normal and important part of service delivery.
What is person-centred care?
You can work with your provider to ensure you receive care that meets your needs by telling your providers your goals and which relationships and activities are important to you – so you can live the life you choose.
Resources for download
What is person-centred care? consumer guide or A3 poster
What is dignity of risk?
Dignity of risk is a big part of person-centred care. Your aged care provider should support you to take risks, so you can live your best life.
Resources for download
What is dignity of risk? consumer guide or A3 poster
What you can do if you have a concern
You and your family should feel comfortable that you can raise questions and issues with your provider if you feel your care isn't up to standard. If you don't feel comfortable talking about these issues with your aged care provider, you can contact the Commission and other services may be able to help you.
You can contact the Commission to give feedback about the quality of care and services you have received. This is different to making a complaint. This information helps us in accrediting, assessing and monitoring services against the Quality Standards. To provide feedback, please call us on 1800 951 822 or email us at info@agedcarequality.gov.au.
You can also contact us to raise concerns about the quality of care and services you have received. Raising concerns provides an opportunity for aged care services to become aware of issues, find solutions and improve their care. Visit Making a complaint for contact details.
If you are not sure about raising an issue, advocates are available who can help you work out what your rights are and what your options may be. You can speak to an advocate by calling 1800 700 600 or visiting the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) website.
Translating and interpreting services are also available. All of these services are free.