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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 59 result(s)
/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/food-nutrition-dining-resources-providers

Food, nutrition & dining: resources for providers

Guidance

This resource provides tools and guidance for aged care providers to ensure quality food, nutrition, and dining experiences. It includes hotlines, resources for dining, choice, swallowing, and oral health, as well as webinars, research findings, and practical tips to support older adults' wellbeing and meet 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
Clinical safety, Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 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 providers
/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/improving-aged-care-speech-pathology-why-it-matters-and-how-it-helps

Improving aged care with speech pathology: Why it matters and how it helps

Guidance

This page highlights the role of speech pathologists in supporting older people with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties. It provides resources for aged care providers on how to improve care quality through effective communication tools and tailored strategies. This resource includes practical examples, like sample plates and picture boards, for enhancing dining experiences and supporting individual choice. 

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
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.4: Comprehensive care, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Improving aged care with speech pathology: Why it matters and how it helps
/quality-standards/providing-food-and-dining-choice-aged-care-staff-poster

Providing food and dining choice - aged care staff poster

Poster
Published date

This guide supports aged care staff in providing food and dining choices for residents. It outlines the importance of upholding residents' rights to choose, enhancing their health and quality of life. The guide recommends confirming preferences regularly, involving residents in meal planning, and respecting individual choices regarding when, where, and what they eat or drink. 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, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
thumbnail providing choice
/quality-standards/measurement-tools-assessing-quality-life-consumer-satisfaction-and-consumer-experience-across-residential-and-home-aged-care-summary-report

Measurement tools for assessing quality of life, consumer satisfaction and consumer experience across residential and in-home aged care: Summary Report

Report
Last Updated

This report reviews validated tools for measuring quality of life, consumer satisfaction, and experience in aged care, assessing their suitability for residential and home care. It provides an evidence-based ranking of tools to support aged care providers in quality improvement, accountability, and aligning with the National Aged Care Quality Indicator 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
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Measurement tools for assessing quality of life: Summary Report
/quality-standards/nutrition-informed-choice

Nutrition - Informed choice

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource discusses the importance of informed choice in aged care dining, emphasising a person-centred approach. It highlights the benefits of offering choice in meals and mealtimes, outlines how to manage decisions that involve risk, and provides tools for aged care workers to support resident autonomy while ensuring safety and satisfaction. 

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
Choice, independence and quality of life, Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
Nutrition - Informed choice
/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/food-and-dining-your-choices-matter

Food and dining - your choices matter

Fact sheet
Published date
Last Updated

This fact sheet informs aged care residents of their rights to safe, enjoyable, and respectful dining experiences. It outlines steps for raising concerns with providers about food and dining, offers a preference form for residents to communicate their dietary needs, and provides contact information for support services if issues remain unresolved. 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, Choice, independence and quality of life, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Feedback and complaints management system
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 2.6a: Complaints and feedback management for aged care workers, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals, 6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
First page of the Food and dining – your choices matter fact sheet
/quality-standards/older-persons-advocacy-network

Older Persons Advocacy Network

Guidance

This resource provides information on aged care advocacy services, offering free and confidential support to older people receiving government-funded aged care. It includes resources to help people understand their rights, navigate the aged care system, and access advocacy for issues such as care quality, decision-making, and protection from harm. 

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
Choice, independence and quality of life, Feedback and complaints management system
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals
Older Persons Advocacy Network
/quality-standards/how-support-everyday-decision-making-people-living-dementia-residential-aged-care-guide-care-workers

How to support everyday decision-making for people living with dementia in residential aged care: A guide for care workers

Guidance
Published date

This guide offers practical strategies for care workers to support people with dementia in making everyday decisions within residential aged care settings. It covers communication techniques, promoting choice in personal care and daily activities, understanding body language, and emphasises person-centred care while respecting residents' preferences, dignity, and rights.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
How to support everyday decision-making for people living with dementia in residential aged care: A guide for care workers
/quality-standards/first-aid-fact-sheet-choking-adult-or-child-over-1-year

First aid fact sheet - Choking adult or child (over 1 year)

Fact sheet
Last Updated

This fact sheet provides first aid instructions for choking in adults or children over one year. It details recognising choking symptoms and steps for emergency care and guidance to call emergency services if necessary.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Clinical safety
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services
First aid fact sheet -  Choking adult or child (over 1 year)
/quality-standards/improving-patient-outcomes-through-medical-nutrition-therapy

Improving patient outcomes through Medical Nutrition Therapy

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the role of Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) in medical nutrition therapy across various health conditions, including those common in aged care. It includes indications for referral to an APD and highlights benefits such as improved nutritional status, symptom management, and enhanced health outcomes. This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Clinical safety
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services
Improving patient outcomes through Medical Nutrition Therapy
/quality-standards/tips-careworkers-culturally-responsive-care-communication

Tips for Careworkers: Culturally Responsive Care - Communication

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides practice tip sheets for care workers, focusing on culturally responsive care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It outlines communication strategies, emphasising person-centred care, cultural sensitivity, and effective interaction with patients and families, especially at the end of life.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Person-centred care
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 3.3: Communicating for safety and quality, 1.1: Person-centred care
Tips for Careworkers: Culturally Responsive Care - Communication
/quality-standards/half-story-guide-meaningful-consultation-people-living-dementia-families-and-carers

Half the story: A guide to meaningful consultation with people living with dementia, families and carers

Guidance
Published date

This resource is a guide for meaningful consultation with people living with dementia, their families, and carers. It covers planning, ethical considerations, communication methods, and ways to improve accessibility. The guide offers strategies to ensure the voices of those living with dementia are respected, valued, and effectively integrated into decision-making processes.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Corporate and clinical governance, Assessment and planning
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Half the story: A guide to meaningful consultation with people living with dementia, families and carers
/quality-standards/centre-cultural-diversity-ageing-resources

Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing - Resources

Guidance

This page offers a wide range of resources aimed at helping aged care providers deliver culturally inclusive services. It includes multilingual communication cards, cultural care plans, and practice guides that help address the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual needs of people in care. The resources make sure aged care services are accessible, safe, and appropriate for culturally and linguistically diverse populations​.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Corporate and clinical governance, Care coordination and transitions, Food and nutrition
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing - Resources
/quality-standards/eat-health-australian-dietary-guidelines

Eat for health: Australian dietary guidelines

Guidance

This resource provides up-to-date advice on the types and amounts of food needed for health and wellbeing, based on the Australian dietary guidelines. It includes recommendations for balanced eating patterns, addressing chronic disease risk, and offers resources such as brochures, posters, and guides for different population groups, including children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Eat for health: Australian dietary guidelines
/quality-standards/embracing-food-diverse-cultures

Embracing food from diverse cultures

Guidance

This resource provides a module designed to help aged care chefs and cooks manage the nutritional needs and food preferences of culturally diverse populations. It focuses on supporting cultural traditions, involving people in menu planning, and enhancing engagement during meals. The module offers practical skills, recipes, and continuous access to resources, promoting inclusivity in aged care dining service.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Food and nutrition
Standard
1: The Individual, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Embracing food from diverse cultures