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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 91 result(s)
/quality-standards/how-clean-and-disinfect-your-workplace-covid-19

How to clean and disinfect your workplace - COVID-19

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides detailed guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting workplaces, including aged care settings, to minimise the spread of COVID-19. It outlines cleaning procedures for different surfaces and items, the proper use of disinfectants, and disposal of materials. It supports workplace hygiene by ensuring routine and post-exposure cleaning protocols.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment, Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 4.2: Infection prevention and control
How to clean and disinfect your workplace - COVID-19
/quality-standards/action-133-welcoming-environments

Action 1.33: Welcoming environments

Guidance

This resource provides guidance on creating welcoming environments in healthcare services, including aged care, to make sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel safe, respected, and supported. It outlines strategies for cultural safety, collaboration with communities, and improving access to care through inclusive design, training, and environmental changes. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
1: The Individual, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home
Action 1.33: Welcoming environments
/quality-standards/aids-stay-independent

Aids to stay independent

Guidance

This resource provides information on aids to help people stay safe and independent at home. It includes equipment such as walking aids, bed rails, and pressure-relieving mattresses. These services are available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or Home Care Packages, depending on eligibility, following an assessment.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home
Aids to stay independent
/quality-standards/mobility-aids

Mobility aids

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of mobility aids, including walkers, wheelchairs, lifting aids, and electric beds, to help people move safely and independently. It explains how these devices can help with daily tasks, manage pain, and reduce injury risks. The document also includes information on accessing aids through government programs or health professionals.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home
Mobility aids
/quality-standards/aids-equipment-and-modifications-through-rehabilitation-appliances-program-rap

Aids, equipment and modifications through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information about the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP), which offers aids, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications to help veterans stay independent. It explains the types of items available, such as mobility devices, personal care aids, and home accessibility modifications, and outlines the process for accessing these services through clinical assessments.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home
Aids, equipment and modifications through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP)
/quality-standards/tools-and-aids-help-home

Tools and aids to help at home

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines tools, aids, and technology to help people with dementia live safely and independently at home. It includes medication reminders, safety devices, communication tools, and sensory aids. The document provides guidance on selecting appropriate tools to support daily tasks, reduce stress, and maintain quality of life at home.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home
Tools and aids to help at home
/quality-standards/quality-and-safety-home-services-5-key-areas-risk

Quality and safety in home services – 5 key areas of risk

Guidance, Guides
Published date

This resource provides guidance for home service providers on managing key risks in aged care services. It identifies 5 critical areas: organisational governance, care planning and assessment, clinical care, support for vulnerable consumers, and management of Home Care Package funds

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Risk management system, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
Standard
2: The Organisation, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
2.4: Risk management, 4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home
Quality and safety in home services - 5 key areas of risk
/quality-standards/dip-or-not-dip-implementation-guide-nurse-and-pharmacist-champions

To Dip or Not to Dip - Implementation Guide for Nurse and Pharmacist Champions

Guidance, Guides
Published date

To Dip or Not to Dip (TDONTD) is a quality improvement intervention successfully implemented in UK and Australian aged care homes to improve UTI assessment and antibiotic prescribing appropriateness.

This implementation guide has been drawn from the experiences of homes and champions who have implemented TDONTD, along with feedback from aged care nurses and personal care assistants who have used TDONTD resources.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services, 4.2: Infection prevention and control
To dip or not to dip implementation guide thumbnail
/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/aged-care-infection-prevention-and-control-guide-summary-resource

The Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide: summary resource

Guidance
Published date

This summary provides an overview of the Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guide. It includes key topics such as IPC systems, risk assessment, standard and transmission-based precautions, staff health and safety, antimicrobial stewardship, and continuous quality improvement. It supports aged care providers in maintaining infection control 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
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
The Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide: summary resource
/quality-standards/australian-immunisation-handbook

The Australian Immunisation Handbook

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides clinical advice for health professionals on the safe and effective use of vaccines. It includes guidelines for vaccine administration, special risk groups, and updates on vaccine-preventable diseases. The handbook is a comprehensive reference for ensuring the best immunisation practices, particularly important in protecting vulnerable populations, including those 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
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
The Australian Immunisation Handbook
/quality-standards/aged-care-infection-prevention-and-control-guide

The Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the basic principles of infection prevention and control and explains how to apply these principles using a risk-based approach. The guide supports implementation of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. It is a supplementary resource for the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare for aged care settings. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Environment, Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home, 4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
The Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide
/quality-standards/ariia-knowledge-and-implementation-hub-resources

ARIIA Knowledge and Implementation Hub - Resources

Guidance
Last Updated

The ARIIA Resources Hub is an evidence-based guide that supports innovation across the aged care sector. It provides a comprehensive collection of tools, guidelines, and frameworks for aged care providers, focusing on technology adoption, clinical standards, and care improvement strategies. The hub offers resources to enhance service quality and support the digital transformation 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
External resource
Standard
4: The Environment, 3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation, 1: The Individual, 4: The Environment, 7: The Residential Community
ARIIA Knowledge and Implementation Hub - Resources
/quality-standards/covid-19-resources-health-professionals-including-aged-care-providers-pathology-providers-and-health-care-managers

COVID-19 resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers

Fact sheet, Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers COVID-19 guidance for health professionals and aged care providers. It includes information on managing outbreaks, infection control, PPE use, and telehealth services. These resources support safe and effective care delivery while ensuring compliance with guidelines during the pandemic 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
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
COVID-19 resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers
/quality-standards/covid-19-advice-health-professionals

COVID-19 advice for health professionals

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers COVID-19 guidance for health professionals, including infection prevention, antiviral treatments, and telehealth services. It advises on managing high-risk patients, accessing personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining hygiene standards. It is essential for ensuring safe healthcare delivery, particularly in aged care settings during the pandemic. 

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
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
COVID-19 advice for health professionals
/quality-standards/environmental-cleaning-and-infection-prevention-and-control-resources

Environmental cleaning and infection prevention and control resources

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers a range of environmental cleaning and infection prevention tools for healthcare settings, including guidelines for small organisations, cleaning audits, product selection, and emerging cleaning technologies. It supports aged care providers in maintaining clean, hygienic environments, helping them comply with infection control standards and ensure safety.​ 

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
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment, Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 4.2: Infection prevention and control
Environmental cleaning and infection prevention and control resources
/quality-standards/environmental-design-resources-handbook

Environmental design resources handbook

Guidance

This resource supports improvements to environments for people living with dementia. The resource includes information and background on the key design principles and environmental assessment tools. It also includes the Indigenous Aged Care Design Guide. The handbook can be accessed in full, or individually as 7 separate resources. 

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
Environment, Delivering comprehensive care and services
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
Environmental design resources handbook
/quality-standards/what-hand-hygiene

What is hand hygiene?

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance on proper hand hygiene practices in healthcare settings. It covers key topics such as the correct use of alcohol-based hand rubs, when to wash hands with soap and water, and appropriate glove use. It also addresses common hand care issues and strategies for preventing dermatitis in healthcare workers. 

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
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
What is hand hygiene?
/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/outbreak-management-plan-stress-testing-outline

Outbreak Management Plan - stress testing outline

Guidance
Published date

Having a comprehensive and organisation-specific outbreak management plan (OMP) helps your organisation to be prepared for the management of infections and outbreaks within your service. A key part of this readiness is ensuring that your OMP is fit-for-purpose and that everyone across the organisation can implement it if required. One way to maintain readiness and support continuous improvement of your OMP is to run regular drills, or stress tests, of your plan.

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
Outbreak management plan - stress testing