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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 361 result(s)
/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/about-food-nutrition-and-dining-hotline-provider-and-worker-fact-sheet

About the Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline – provider and worker fact sheet

Fact sheet
Published date
Last Updated

This resource provides information about the Food, Nutrition, and Dining Hotline, which offers advice and addresses concerns regarding food and dining in aged care. It allows aged care providers, staff, residents, families, and carers to raise issues about nutrition, menu planning, and dining experiences to improve quality and care outcomes. 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
Feedback and complaints management system, Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
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
First page of About the Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline provider fact sheet.
/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/food-nutrition-and-dining-hotline-stakeholder-communications-kit

Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline - Stakeholder Communications Kit

Tool
Last Updated

This resource provides a communications kit to help promote the Food, Nutrition, and Dining Hotline. It includes social media posts, fact sheets, and videos to support providers in raising awareness of the hotline, which offers advice, information, and assistance on food, nutrition, and dining-related matters 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
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Feedback and complaints management system
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks
Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline - Stakeholder Communications Kit
/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/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/food-nutrition-dining-information-providers

Food, nutrition & dining - information for providers

Guidance

This resource provides information and support for aged care providers to improve food, nutrition, and dining services. It includes guidance on meeting nutritional standards, promoting resident choice, and ensuring a positive dining experience. The resource also offers tools for monitoring food quality, addressing dietary needs, and enhancing overall meal service delivery. 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
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, nutrition & dining - information for providers
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-dining-information-workers

Food, nutrition & dining - information for workers

Guidance

This resource provides guidance for aged care workers on improving food, nutrition, and dining experiences for residents. It covers meal preparation, resident engagement in food choices, safe food handling, and the importance of nutrition in promoting wellbeing. The resource offers practical tips for ensuring meals meet individual dietary needs and preferences. 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
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, nutrition & dining - information for workers
/quality-standards/eat-health-healthy-eating-when-youre-older

Eat for health: Healthy eating when you're older

Guidance

This resource provides guidance on healthy eating for older adults, emphasising nutrient-dense foods while limiting energy-dense options. It highlights the importance of consuming a variety of foods from the 5 food groups, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and managing dietary needs for chronic conditions. It also includes tips for food safety and preventing malnutrition.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.3: Provision of food and drinks
Eat for health: Healthy eating when you're older
/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
/quality-standards/infection-prevention-and-control-acsqh

Infection prevention and control - ACSQH

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidelines to reduce infection transmission risks in healthcare settings. It provides information on standard and transmission-based precautions, specific diseases or conditions, other infection prevention and control strategies and promotional resources practices such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleaning. 

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
5: Clinical Care, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services, 4.2: Infection prevention and control
Infection prevention and control
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-and-dining-reflection-practice

Food, nutrition and dining: a reflection on practice

Guides, Presentations
Published date
Last Updated

This training PowerPoint is a presentation that trainers/managers can download, customise and use to promote discussion and educate their staff to support and improve the food, nutrition and dining experience of consumers in their care.

The resource is designed to support reflective discussions about what ‘best practice’ looks like and a reflection on how it applies in practice.  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
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
PowerPoint thumbnail image FND training
/quality-standards/poisons-standard-susmp

The Poisons Standard (the SUSMP)

Guidance
Last Updated

The Poisons Standard (SUSMP) is a resource that classifies medicines and chemicals into schedules for regulatory control in Australia. It outlines guidelines for labelling, packaging, and handling of substances. Key points include updates on scheduling decisions, which assist in public safety, healthcare, and chemical management. 

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
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
The Poisons Standard (the SUSMP)