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Quality Standards Resource Centre

The Quality Standards Resource Centre helps extend understanding of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, which took effect from 1 November 2025. You can search for resources by using keywords, or filtering by standard, outcome and audience. Before using the Resource Centre, please read the terms of use.

Displaying 21 to 40 of 65 result(s)
/quality-standards/better-use-medications-aged-care

Better use of medications in aged care

Discussion paper
Published date

This discussion paper explores strategies to improve medication management in aged care, including reducing inappropriate prescriptions and promoting non-pharmacological interventions. It reviews current interventions' effectiveness, highlights the use of psychotropic medications, and identifies areas for improving practices through multifaceted and multidisciplinary approaches for better resident outcomes and healthcare 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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Better use of medications - thumbnail image
/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
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/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
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
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
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/guide-consumers-psychotropic-medicines-cognitive-disability-or-impairment-clinical-care-standard

Guide for consumers - Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard

Guidance
Published date

This resource is a guide for consumers about the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard.  The resource includes 8 quality statements about the health care consumers should receive to support the correct use of psychotropic medicines. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Guide for consumers - Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard
/quality-standards/guiding-principles-achieve-continuity-medication-management-collection

Guiding principles to achieve continuity in medication management collection

Fact sheet
Published date

This collection of resources is related to the guiding principles for medication management.The guiding principles aim to promote the quality use of medicines when moving between different health care settings and health care providers. The collection includes the guiding principles and the corresponding glossary, user guide and fact sheet. This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of 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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Guiding principles to achieve continuity in medication management collection
/quality-standards/handbook-tools-support-medicine-management-multimorbidity-and-polypharmacy

Handbook of tools to support medicine management in multimorbidity and polypharmacy

Handbook
Published date

This handbook provides tools to support medicine management in multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The Department of Health and Aged Care commissioned the University of South Australia to develop the handbook. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Handbook of tools to support medicine management in multimorbidity and polypharmacy
/quality-standards/introducing-tasty-nutritious-and-safe-meals-aged-care-themed-innovator-training-program

Introducing tasty, nutritious, and safe meals in aged care - Themed Innovator Training Program

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on implementing safe, nutritious, and appealing meals in aged care. It emphasises informed choice, accommodating dietary needs, and preventing malnutrition. It highlights the importance of culturally appropriate meal planning, supporting residents' autonomy, and ensuring that nutritious food enhances social interaction, mental health, and overall quality of life. 

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
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.3: Provision of food and drinks
Introducing tasty, nutritious, and safe meals in aged care - Themed Innovator Training Program
/quality-standards/report-problem-or-side-effect

Report a problem or side effect

Guidance

This resource provides information on how to report adverse events, side effects, or problems related to medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. It includes reporting procedures and information for consumers, health professionals, and industry, aiming to enhance safety and address breaches or non-compliant advertising. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Report a problem or side effect
/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
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/medication-management-health-practitioners

Medication management for health practitioners

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource supports health practitioners in managing medicines through the use of medication charts in aged care facilities and hospitals. It provides guidelines for safe prescribing, administration, and communication. The resource includes both paper-based and electronic medication chart systems to reduce errors, improve patient safety, and streamline medication management processes 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication management for health practitioners
/quality-standards/medication-its-your-choice

Medication: it's your choice

Guidance

This resource informs older Australians about their rights and choices regarding medication, including potential side effects, the importance of informed decision-making, and reducing unnecessary antibiotic and psychotropic use. It offers brochures, videos, and fact sheets to support understanding and provide guidance on alternative treatments and safe medication practices. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication: it's your choice
/quality-standards/medication-management

Medication management

Guidance

This resource provides information on medication management in aged care, focusing on psychotropics and antimicrobials. It includes tools for reducing inappropriate use, antimicrobial stewardship guidance, self-assessment resources, and quality bulletins. It aims to improve medication safety, prevent inappropriate prescribing, and support care providers in ensuring safe clinical practices.

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Medication management
/quality-standards/polypharmacy-consumer-perspective-national-medicines-symposium-2024

Polypharmacy Consumer Perspective - National Medicines Symposium 2024

Presentations
Published date

This is a presentation on Polypharmacy Consumer Perspective. It includes details of a case example, resolution and care management, and key principles related to medicines and goal of 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Polypharmacy Consumer Perspective - National Medicines Symposium 2024
/quality-standards/pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-pbs-medication-chart-maximum-duration-residential-aged-care

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication chart maximum duration in residential aged care

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource outlines the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication chart's maximum duration in residential aged care. It explains the use of both paper-based and electronic National Residential Medication Charts (NRMC), highlighting their role in managing prescriptions, medication supply, and administration. The document provides guidance on compliance, chart expiry, and medication safety within aged care facilities. 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
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication chart maximum duration in residential aged care
/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
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/healthy-ageing

Healthy Ageing

Guidance

This resource is a collection of resources on the Tasmanian Government Department of Health webpage about healthy ageing. It includes resources about malnutrition screening, being physically active, and eating well.

This resource was developed by a state/territory government or organisation and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

Author
External resource
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks
Healthy Ageing
/quality-standards/case-study-safe-and-appropriate-use-psychotropic-medicines-residential-aged-care

Case study - Safe and Appropriate use of Psychotropic Medicines - Residential Aged Care

Guidance
Published date

This resource is a fictional scenario that follows an older person’s care pathway with a residential aged care provider. The resource focuses on the systems and processes to support high-quality care of older people living with cognitive impairment. It includes 4 key priority areas: person-centred care, medication management, managing changed behaviours and transitions of 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Case study - Safe and Appropriate use of Psychotropic Medicines - Residential Aged Care
/quality-standards/case-study-safe-and-appropriate-use-psychotropic-medicines-home-aged-care

Case study - Safe and Appropriate use of Psychotropic Medicines - In-home Aged Care

Guidance
Published date

This resource is a fictional scenario that follows an older person’s care pathway with an in-home aged care provider. The resource focuses on the systems and processes to support high-quality care of older people living with dementia. It includes 4 key priority areas: person-centred care, medication management, managing changed behaviours and transitions of 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Case study - Safe and Appropriate use of Psychotropic Medicines - In-home Aged Care