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Aged care laws in Australia have now changed. The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 now apply. While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations and legal responsibilities. Thank you for your patience.

Quality Standards Resource Centre

The Quality Standards Resource Centre helps extend understanding of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, which take effect from 1 November 2025. The Resource Centre will be updated to reflect key changes made to the draft strengthened Standards. You can search for resources by using keywords, or filtering by standard, outcome, audience and theme. Before using the Resource Centre, please read the terms of use.

Displaying 21 to 40 of 75 result(s)
/quality-standards/visitor-restrictions

Visitor restrictions

Guidance

This resource provides guidelines on visitor restrictions for aged care services during infectious outbreaks, such as COVID-19. It includes information on managing the impact of restrictions, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of care recipients, and balancing health risks with the need for social connection to prevent negative physical and psychological effects. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
4: The Environment, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 7.1: Daily living
Visitor restrictions
/quality-standards/workforce-responsibilities

Workforce responsibilities

Guidance

This resource outlines the workforce responsibilities of aged care providers, including the legal obligation to provide skilled staff and support their workforce. It details mandatory requirements such as 24/7 registered nurse coverage and care minutes for residential aged care services​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.8: Workforce planning, 2.9: Human resource management
Workforce responsibilities
/quality-standards/residential-aged-care-food-services-discussion-paper

Residential aged care food services discussion paper

Discussion paper
Published date

This paper presents a high-level overview of contemporary evidence regarding food services in residential aged care settings.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
Cover page - Residential aged care food services discussion paper with two women at a table enjoying a meal
/quality-standards/benefits-effective-incident-management-video

Benefits of effective incident management video

Video
Published date

In this short video, we provide an overview of the benefits of effective incident management in residential aged care settings under the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), which commenced on 1 April 2021.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Benefits of effective incident management video thumbnail
/quality-standards/frequently-asked-questions-about-consent

Frequently asked questions about consent

Fact sheet
Published date

This fact sheet covers the frequently asked questions about consent in aged care.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 7.2: Transitions
Cover of Frequently asked questions about consent
/quality-standards/celebrating-successes-engaging-people-improve-food-nutrition-and-dining

Celebrating successes in engaging people to improve food, nutrition and dining

Guidance

This resource highlights successful practices in engaging older people to improve food, nutrition, and dining experiences. Providers can use examples like food focus groups, family involvement in recipe changes, and resident-led dining committees to promote enjoyable, dignified, and inclusive dining. It fosters better health, wellbeing, and relationships with staff. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
Celebrating successes in engaging people to improve food, nutrition and dining
/quality-standards/code-conduct-aged-care

Code of Conduct for Aged Care

Guidance

This resource outlines the Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which sets expectations for the behaviour of providers, governing persons, and workers. It promotes respect, safety, and quality in aged care services, ensuring people’s rights are protected. The Code includes guidance on handling concerns and preventing abuse or neglect​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management, Dignity, respect and privacy
Standard
2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
2.9: Human resource management, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy
Code of Conduct for Aged Care
/quality-standards/code-conduct-workers

Code of Conduct for workers

Guidance

This resource outlines the Code of Conduct for Aged Care workers, detailing expected behaviours such as respect, honesty, and integrity. It ensures people receiving care are treated with dignity, kept safe from harm, and supported. The Code applies to all aged care workers, including volunteers​. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management, Dignity, respect and privacy
Standard
2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
2.9: Human resource management, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy
Code of Conduct for workers
/quality-standards/cultural-considerations-food-nutrition-and-dining

Cultural considerations in Food, Nutrition and Dining

Guidance

This resource provides guidance on incorporating cultural considerations into food, nutrition, and dining in aged care settings. It highlights the importance of understanding diverse dietary preferences, religious practices, and family dynamics to support person-centred care, improve wellbeing, and promote inclusivity within the aged care environment. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 1.1: Person-centred care, 7.1: Daily living
Cultural considerations in Food, Nutrition and Dining
/quality-standards/food-thought-positive-stories

Food for thought - positive stories

Guidance

This resource shares positive stories about food, nutrition, and dining improvements in aged care facilities. It highlights initiatives that enhance the dining experience, including resident involvement in meal planning, use of fresh and seasonal ingredients, and creating more social and enjoyable mealtime environments. These stories demonstrate best practices and innovative approaches to improve resident satisfaction and wellbeing. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
Food for thought - positive stories
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-dining-resources-workers

Food, nutrition & dining: resources for workers

Guidance

This resource provides aged care workers with tools to enhance food, nutrition, and dining experiences for people in their care. It includes practical guides on offering choice, managing swallowing difficulties, promoting oral health, and creating an enjoyable dining environment, all while ensuring adherence to aged care standards. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience, 7.1: Daily living
Food, nutrition & dining: resources for workers
/quality-standards/using-technology-improve-dining-experience

Using technology to improve the dining experience

Guidance

This resource provides guidance on how technology, such as virtual reality (VR) and mobile applications, can enhance the dining experience in aged care settings. These tools are designed to increase engagement, support meal choices, improve communication with families, and contribute to overall wellbeing by making mealtimes more enjoyable. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
4: The Environment, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 6.4: Dining experience, 7.1: Daily living
Using technology to improve the dining experience
/quality-standards/supporting-visitors-and-partners-care-ipc

Supporting visitors and partners in care with IPC

Guidance

This resource offers guidance for aged care providers on supporting visitors and partners in care through infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. It includes training resources to help visitors follow IPC protocols and maintain safe care, especially during infectious outbreaks, through the 'Partnerships in Care' program. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Supporting visitors and partners in care with IPC
/quality-standards/supporting-dining-experience-people-living-dementia-providers-and-workers-guide

Supporting the dining experience for people living with dementia – Providers and workers guide

Guidance, Guides
Published date

This guide is about how to support people living with dementia to maintain good nutrition and enjoy positive dining experiences. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Food and nutrition
Standard
1: The Individual, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 6.4: Dining experience
Supporting the dining experience guide thumbnail
/quality-standards/supporting-people-living-dementia-eat-and-drink-well

Supporting people living with dementia to eat and drink well

Guidance

This resource provides guidance for aged care services on how to support people living with dementia to eat and drink well. It highlights innovative approaches such as creating familiar, enjoyable meals, reducing mealtime interruptions, and offering 24-hour access to nutritious foods. These strategies help address challenges like malnutrition and dehydration. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 6.4: Dining experience, 7.1: Daily living
Supporting people living with dementia to eat and drink well
/quality-standards/hot-water-scalding

Hot water scalding

Guidance
Published date

This page provides guidance for aged care providers on preventing and responding to hot water scalding incidents. It highlights the importance of staff oversight, proper training, and temperature checks when providing care. It also includes immediate first aid steps for burns, helping to reduce risks for vulnerable people, especially older people. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home, 4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home
Hot water scalding
/quality-standards/summer-clinical-alert-caring-older-people-hot-weather

Summer clinical alert: Caring for older people in hot weather

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides a summer clinical alert for aged care providers, focusing on safeguarding older people during extreme heat. It includes guidance on identifying vulnerable people, creating action plans, monitoring hydration, and recognising heat-related illnesses. It helps providers prepare for heatwaves and protect those in care. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Emergency and disaster management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.10: Emergency and disaster management
Summer clinical alert: Caring for older people in hot weather
/quality-standards/incident-management-systems

Incident Management Systems

Guidance

This resource explains Incident Management Systems (IMS) used in aged care to record, manage, and respond to incidents. It provides guidance on building a safety culture, recording and analysing incidents, and implementing steps to prevent reoccurrences, supporting continuous improvement in care delivery. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Incident management system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management, 3.3: Communicating for safety and quality
Incident Management Systems
/quality-standards/short-term-restorative-care-program

Short Term Restorative Care Program

Guidance

This resource outlines the Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Program which offers early interventions aimed at reversing or slowing functional decline in older people to enhance their wellbeing. It provides care for up to 8 weeks in home or residential settings, helping people regain independence. STRC is part of a broader care system, alongside other aged care services. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions
Standard
7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
7.2: Transitions
Short Term Restorative Care Program
/quality-standards/ipc-location-based-guidance

IPC location-based guidance

Tool

This resource provides infection prevention and control (IPC) location-based guidance tailored for aged care providers. It includes state and territory-specific IPC requirements and offers links to relevant Commonwealth and local guidance. The document helps providers access and prioritise the appropriate IPC information to maintain compliance with regulations. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
IPC location-based guidance