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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 341 to 360 of 366 result(s)
/quality-standards/infection-prevention-and-control-poster-combined-contact-and-droplet-precautions

Infection Prevention and Control Poster – Combined contact and droplet precautions

Poster
Published date

This poster outlines combined contact and droplet precautions for infection prevention and control, in addition to standard precautions. It provides guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other measures to reduce the transmission of infectious agents through direct contact and respiratory droplets​. 

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
Infection Prevention and Control Poster – Combined contact and droplet precautions
/quality-standards/infection-prevention-and-control-poster-contact-precautions-poster

Infection Prevention and Control Poster - Contact precautions poster

Poster
Published date

This poster outlines contact precautions for infection prevention and control, in addition to standard precautions. It provides guidance on preventing the transmission of infectious agents through direct or indirect contact. Key elements include using personal protective equipment, proper patient placement, and minimising patient movement​. This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting.

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
Infection Prevention and Control Poster - Contact precautions poster
/quality-standards/infection-prevention-and-control-poster-standard-precautions-poster

Infection Prevention and Control Poster - Standard precautions poster

Poster
Published date

This resource is a poster on standard precautions for infection prevention and control in healthcare. It outlines essential practices such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment use, environmental cleaning, and waste management. The poster helps healthcare workers minimise infection risks and maintain safe care environments. This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting.

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
Infection Prevention and Control Poster - Standard precautions poster
/quality-standards/recommendations-control-carbapenemase-producing-enterobacterales

Recommendations for the control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance on preventing and managing carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) in healthcare. It covers screening, outbreak control, and environmental cleaning, helping to reduce antimicrobial resistance. The resource supports infection control policies and aims to enhance safety in aged care and health service organisations. 

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
Recommendations for the control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales
/quality-standards/our-care-your-hands-aboriginal-stories-about-approaching-end-life

In our care into your hands: Aboriginal stories about approaching the end of life

Guidance
Published date

This 2015 resource shares Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories about approaching end of life, emphasising cultural practices and the role of storytelling in palliative care. It offers insight into supporting culturally sensitive care for people nearing the end of life.

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

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care
In our care into your hands: Aboriginal stories about approaching the end of life
/quality-standards/first-nations-youtube-videos

First Nations - YouTube videos

Video
Published date

This resource includes a series of YouTube videos developed by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Australian First Nations older people discuss good quality, culturally appropriate and safe aged care, including person-centred care, rights and how to speak up about 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
Person-centred care, Dignity, respect and privacy, Feedback and complaints management system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
First Nations - YouTube videos
/quality-standards/european-wound-management-association-quality-standards

European Wound Management Association - Resource Library

Guidance

This resource library offers a collection of wound care materials, including publications, webinars, and e-learning modules, covering topics like wound healing, infection management, compression therapy, and advanced treatments. It provides resources for various target groups and is available in multiple languages.

This resource was developed internationally and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Clinical safety
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.5: Safety of clinical care services
European Wound Management Association - Resource Library
/quality-standards/flu-and-covid-19-vaccination-program

Flu and COVID-19 vaccination program

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the flu and COVID-19 vaccination program for residential aged care providers. It includes information about what services must do to take precautions to prevent and control the flu and COVID-19 and minimise infection-related risks. 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, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services, 2.9: Human resource management, 4.2: Infection prevention and control
Flu and COVID-19 vaccination program
/quality-standards/national-aged-care-mandatory-quality-indicator-program-qi-program

National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program)

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides information on the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program). The program gathers data on 11 quality indicators from residential aged care services to enhance care standards and outcomes for residents. It includes resources, quick guides, consultation papers, and surveys for improving quality indicators in both residential and in-home 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system, Corporate and clinical governance, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.2a: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support aged care workers to deliver quality care, 2.2b: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support individuals, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 5.1: Clinical governance, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services
National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program)
/quality-standards/food-and-drink-your-aged-care-supporting-informed-choice-and-risk-staff-poster

Food and drink in your aged care - supporting informed choice and risk - staff poster

Poster
Published date

This resource provides guidance for aged care staff on supporting older people's informed choices regarding food and drink, even when those choices involve personal risks. It encourages staff to respect resident autonomy, provide information on risks, document decisions, and ensure access to professional advice, promoting dignity and quality of life in 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
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, 3: The Care and Services, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
thumbnail food and drink poster
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-and-dining-stand-discussion-notes

Food, nutrition and dining stand-up discussion notes

Presentations
Published date
Last Updated

This resource provides discussion notes to improve the food, nutrition, and dining experience in aged care settings. It includes reflective questions for corporate teams and care staff, focusing on governance, resident choice, oral health, and support for those with swallowing difficulties. The resource promotes continuous improvement and quality care through group discussions. 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. 

Stand-up discussion notes  (DOCX  6.68 MB)
Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Clinical safety
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 5: Clinical Care
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
thumbnail image fnd stand-up discussion notes
/quality-standards/know-look-act-oral-pain-aged-care-staff-poster

KNOW, LOOK, ACT - Oral Pain aged care staff poster

Poster
Published date

This poster serves as a resource for aged care staff to recognise and respond to signs of oral pain in residents. It provides guidance on identifying mouth and tooth pain and taking appropriate action to address these issues. The poster is available for download and use in residential 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
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
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
thumbnail - know look act oral pain poster
/quality-standards/ensuring-first-aid-capabilities-manage-choking-risk-residential-aged-care

Ensuring first aid capabilities to manage choking risk in residential aged care

Guidance

This page provides guidance for residential aged care services on managing choking risks. It advises 24/7 first aid capabilities, staff training on choking incidents, the use of suction devices, and understanding that advance care directives do not prevent the administering of first aid. The alert also recommends collaborating with speech pathologists, documenting discussions, and managing choking events through incident review and support. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
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
Ensuring first aid capabilities to manage choking risk in residential aged care
/quality-standards/creating-behaviour-support-plans-better-support-residents

Creating behaviour support plans that better support residents 

Guidance
Published date

This document outlines the development of behaviour support plans (BSPs) in aged care, focusing on person-centred assessments, identification of triggers, tailored strategies, and regular reviews. It highlights the involvement of healthcare professionals and adherence to care principles to effectively manage residents’ behavioural changes and improve their 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
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 3.1 Assessment and planning, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Creating behaviour support plans that better support residents 
/quality-standards/restrictive-practices-provider-resources

Restrictive practices provider resources

Guidance
Published date

This resource offers guidance and tools for aged care providers on managing restrictive practices. It emphasises using restrictive practices as a last resort, obtaining informed consent, and developing behaviour support plans. The materials include fact sheets, regulatory updates, webinars, and decision-making tools to ensure compliance with legislation and promote person-centred 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
Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Restrictive practices provider resources
/quality-standards/antimicrobial-stewardship-self-assessment-tool-and-user-guide

Antimicrobial Stewardship Self-Assessment Tool and User Guide

Guides, Tool
Published date

This tool and user guide supports residential aged care services in self-assessing their antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices. It covers AMS governance, policies, education, monitoring, and feedback, aiming to improve antibiotic use and reduce risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. The resources helps identify gaps and develop action plans to enhance AMS activities and patient care. This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 July 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
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
AMS tool
/quality-standards/goal-planning-tool

Goal planning tool

Guides, Tool
Published date

This resource is a goal planning tool designed to support aged care providers in improving food, dining, nutrition, and consumer choice. It helps providers set objectives, track progress, and implement actions to enhance service quality, ensuring that people’s preferences and dietary needs are consistently met​. 

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. 

Goal planning tool  (PDF  899.52 KB)
Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Goal planning document with an orange header and two tables with four columns and three rows
/quality-standards/dementia-friendly-environments-dining-areas-kitchens-and-eating

Dementia-friendly environments - Dining areas, kitchens and eating

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidelines for creating dementia-friendly dining and kitchen spaces, emphasising sensory engagement, personalised meal experiences, and a home-like environment. It includes practical adjustments for lighting, noise, seating, and social interaction to enhance dining enjoyment.

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

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment, Food and nutrition
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 6.4: Dining experience
Dementia-friendly environments - Dining areas, kitchens and eating
/quality-standards/dementia-enabling-environments

Dementia enabling environments

Guidance

The Dementia Enabling Environments website, developed by Alzheimer's WA, provides guidance and resources to help create enabling environments for a person living with dementia. It includes design principles for different environment types, include home and residential aged care facilities.

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

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment
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, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Dementia Enabling Environments
/quality-standards/national-roadmap-improving-health-people-intellectual-disability

National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability, aiming to address health inequities. It focuses on enhancing care support, developing better models of care, improving oral health, and supporting health professionals. The roadmap includes projects on primary care, health assessments, curriculum development, and more.

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.6 Cognitive impairment  
National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability