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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 79 result(s)
/quality-standards/partnerships-care-partner-information-package

Partnerships in care – Partner information package

Guidance, Guides
Published date

The partner information pack presents information for all people visiting and volunteering in residential aged care services. The resource includes information on the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC), the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and changes in what you need to do if you visit during an outbreak. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Dignity, respect and privacy, Infection prevention and control
Standard
1: The Individual, 4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Partnerships in care cover image
/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/different-languages-same-aged-care

Different languages, same aged care

Guidance

This resource provides information on a free translation service for government-subsidised aged care providers, enabling communication in languages other than English. It helps aged care providers reach diverse communities, including culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, First Nations people, and those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, supporting culturally inclusive 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.3: Communicating for safety and quality, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Different languages, same aged care
/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/free-aged-care-translation-service

Free aged care translation service

Brochure
Published date

This resource provides information on a free translation and interpreting service funded by the government for aged care providers. It supports effective communication with older people from diverse backgrounds, offering language translation, sign language, and captioning services to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in aged 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Corporate and clinical governance, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.3: Communicating for safety and quality
Free aged care translation service
/quality-standards/sirs-insights-reports

SIRS insights reports

Report

This resource provides Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) insights reports, offering case study examples and data to help aged care providers improve incident management practices. The reports feature learnings from incidents such as unexplained absences and unreasonable use of force, helping providers assess their own practices and enhance care quality​. 

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
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
SIRS insights reports
/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/serious-incident-response-scheme-sirs

Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), which helps reduce abuse and neglect of older people in aged care services. It mandates that Commonwealth-subsidised aged care providers implement systems to manage and prevent serious incidents. Providers must report incidents such as abuse, neglect, and unlawful contact, ensuring older people’s safety and wellbeing. 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)
/quality-standards/serious-incidents

Serious incidents

Guidance

This resource provides information on how aged care providers should respond to serious incidents, ensuring the safety, health, and wellbeing of people in care. It outlines mandatory reporting requirements for incidents such as abuse, neglect, or financial coercion under the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), aiming to promote transparency and accountability in aged care settings. 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
External resource
Key Theme
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Serious incidents
/quality-standards/serious-incident-response-scheme

The Serious Incident Response Scheme

Guidance

This resource provides an introduction to the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), outlining its role in managing and reporting serious incidents in aged care. It includes guidance on incident management systems, the responsibilities of managers and workers, and reporting requirements for residential and home 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
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
The Serious Incident Response Scheme
/quality-standards/reportable-incidents

Reportable incidents

Guidance

This resource outlines reportable incidents within aged care, including Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents. It provides information on the 8 types of incidents that must be reported, such as psychological abuse, neglect, and the inappropriate use of restrictive practices, helping providers meet their obligations. 

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
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Reportable incidents
/quality-standards/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-flexible-aged-care-program

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program

Guidance
Published date
Last Updated

This resource provides information on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. The program funds flexible and culturally appropriate aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, mainly in rural and remote areas. It covers service provider requirements, funding processes, and adaptations to ongoing aged care reforms. 

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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Corporate and clinical governance, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 1.1: Person-centred care, 7.2: Transitions
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
/quality-standards/person-centred-care-practice-webinar-series

Person-centred care in practice webinar series

Webinar
Published date

This resource offers a series of webinars on person-centred care, providing practical examples from Australian healthcare settings. It is designed for health service managers, clinicians, and consumer engagement staff, promoting strategies and tools to enhance person-centred practices. This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting. 

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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Person-centred care
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care
Person-centred care in practice webinar series
/quality-standards/partnerships-care-agreement-sample

Partnerships in Care Agreement – Sample

Tool

This resource is a sample of what a partner agreement might look like. It can be used as a template. This document has been created to support aged care providers and individuals where all parties would like to put an agreement in place. 

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
Person-centred care, Dignity, respect and privacy, Infection prevention and control
Standard
1: The Individual, 4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Partnerships in care agreement
/quality-standards/partners-culturally-appropriate-care-picac

Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource supports aged care providers in delivering culturally appropriate care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It offers free training, workshops, and resources, helping providers understand and respect diverse needs, ensuring safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive care across all settings. 

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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC)
/quality-standards/nsqhs-standards-user-guide-health-care-people-intellectual-disability

NSQHS Standards User Guide for the Health Care of People with Intellectual Disability

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance for the health care of people with intellectual disability. The user guide is part of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. The resource was developed in response to significant evidence of poor health outcomes for people with intellectual disability in Australia’s health system. 

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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Choice, independence and quality of life, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
NSQHS Standards User Guide for the Health Care of People with Intellectual Disability
/quality-standards/governing-reform-aged-care-program

Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program

Guidance

This resource outlines the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program, designed to strengthen corporate and clinical governance capabilities for aged care leaders. It provides tools, online learning modules, webinars, and podcasts to support governance improvement and help leaders engage in reform efforts. 

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
Corporate and clinical governance, Accountability and quality system, Risk management system, Incident management system, Feedback and complaints management system, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management, Emergency and disaster management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.1: Partnering with individuals, 2.2a: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support aged care workers to deliver quality care, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 2.4: Risk management, 2.5: Incident management, 2.6a: Complaints and feedback management for aged care workers, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals, 2.7: Information management, 2.8: Workforce planning, 2.9: Human resource management, 2.10: Emergency and disaster management
Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program
/quality-standards/little-yarn-goes-long-way-fact-sheet

A little yarn goes a long way - Fact sheet

Fact sheet
Published date
Last Updated

The ‘A little yarn goes a long way’ fact sheet has been developed to inform older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and their friends and family, about the support available to help them resolve concerns about aged care services, and why it’s important to raise these concerns.

Information is also available in 7 different languages including: English, Alyawarra, Arrernte, Luritja, Pitjantjatjarra, Torres Strait Creole and Warlpiri.

Key Theme
Person-centred care, Feedback and complaints management system
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals
A little yarn goes a long way image
/quality-standards/explaining-aged-care-and-your-rights-locally-tailorable-poster-first-nations-resources

Explaining aged care and your rights – locally tailorable poster - First Nations resources

Poster
Published date

We’ve developed a tailorable poster for you to edit with your own local details, and print and display at community notice boards or waiting areas.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Feedback and complaints management system
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals
Explaining aged care and your rights – locally tailorable poster
/quality-standards/first-nations-visual-storyboard-aged-care-and-your-rights

First Nations - Visual Storyboard - Aged care and your rights

Story board
Published date

The storyboards use pictures to explain aged care, your rights and what to do if your rights aren’t being met.

Key Theme
Person-centred care, Feedback and complaints management system
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals
Storyboards