Skip to main content

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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 41 to 60 of 72 result(s)
/quality-standards/what-open-disclosure-video

What is open disclosure? - video

Video
Published date
Last Updated

This video explains open disclosure and what older people can expect from their registered provider during the process. It highlights key aspects such as communication, transparency, and how concerns will be addressed. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system, Feedback and complaints management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 2.6a: Complaints and feedback management for aged care workers, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals
Open disclosure - video
/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/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/effective-incident-management-education-pack

Effective incident management education pack

Guidance, Presentations
Published date

The Effective incident management education pack is designed for providers to deliver to their own staff. It can be delivered in full or delivered as a series of shorter sessions where you can focus on the sections that are most relevant to your setting or the time you have available. 

This pack will support your staff to understand the role they play in effectively managing incidents at your aged care service and help them understand what an incident management system is and its key elements. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 2.5: Incident management, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals
Effective incident management education pack
/quality-standards/cultural-respect-framework-2016-2026-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health

Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines a national approach to building a culturally respectful health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It focuses on 6 domains, including communication, workforce development, and data evaluation, to ensure culturally safe, accessible care. It is applicable to aged care, helping providers meet cultural safety standards and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Corporate and clinical governance, Accountability and quality system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 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, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
/quality-standards/tips-careworkers-first-australians-communication

Tips for Careworkers: First Australians – Communication

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers guidance on culturally appropriate communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in aged care. It highlights the importance of respecting cultural identity, involving family, and providing person-centred care. The resource provides practical tips for careworkers to ensure culturally sensitive and respectful communication.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Person-centred care
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
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: First Australians – Communication
/quality-standards/quality-improvement-guidance-aged-care-providers

Quality improvement guidance for aged care providers

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers guidance for aged care providers on implementing continuous quality improvement processes. It explains the ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ model to monitor and enhance care quality, using data and feedback to address issues. It also provides practical examples and tools to support providers in improving care and meeting regulatory requirements. 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
Standard
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
Quality improvement guidance for aged care providers
/quality-standards/open-disclosure-resources-consumers

Open Disclosure resources for consumers

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information on open disclosure in healthcare, explaining what people should expect if harm occurs during care. It includes fact sheets in various languages and outlines how to prepare for open disclosure discussions. The resource aims to support transparent communication and improve care safety across healthcare settings, including 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
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Feedback and complaints management system, Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Open Disclosure resources for consumers
/quality-standards/self-care-matters-aged-care

Self-Care Matters Aged Care

Guidance

This resource supports aged care workers in managing stress and maintaining mental and physical wellbeing. It includes videos and tools focused on self-care strategies, such as mindfulness, relaxation, and personalised self-care planning. The resource is designed to help prevent burnout and promote resilience in delivering high-quality care in aged care settings.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Workforce and human resources management, Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.2a: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support aged care workers to deliver quality care, 2.8: Workforce planning
Self-Care Matters Aged Care
/quality-standards/financial-and-prudential-monitoring-compliance-and-intervention-framework

Financial and Prudential Monitoring, Compliance and Intervention Framework

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the Financial and Prudential Monitoring, Compliance and Intervention Framework for aged care providers. It aims to enhance financial transparency, requiring stricter reporting, oversight, and adherence to prudential standards. The framework helps ensure financial stability, protects refundable accommodation deposits, and supports the continuity of care in residential aged care. It includes phased implementation and future regulatory changes.

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Financial and Prudential Monitoring, Compliance and Intervention Framework
/quality-standards/government-provider-management-system-resources

Government Provider Management System resources

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides user guides, quick reference materials, and videos to support aged care providers in using the Government Provider Management System (GPMS). It covers essential tasks such as managing user details, financial reporting, and service information. The GPMS ensures accurate and efficient data management for regulatory compliance and operational oversight in 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
Information management system, Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Government Provider Management System resources
/quality-standards/government-provider-management-system-gpms

Government Provider Management System (GPMS)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of the Government Provider Management System (GPMS), designed to simplify access to and reporting of information by aged care providers to the government. It includes user guides, fact sheets, and troubleshooting support for managing organisational details, notifications, and financial reporting in compliance with aged care requirements. 

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
Information management system, Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Government Provider Management System (GPMS)
/quality-standards/quarterly-financial-report-resources

Quarterly Financial Report resources

Guidance, Report
Last Updated

This resource provides information and templates for the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR), required for approved aged care providers. It includes data definitions, templates, frequently asked questions, and guidance for reporting on finances, labour costs, and other operational data. 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
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Quarterly Financial Report resources
/quality-standards/cota-council-ageing

COTA - Council on the Ageing

Guidance

This resource provides information on the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia's work, including advocacy, policy priorities, and resources for older adults. It highlights key areas such as dental care affordability, aged care reform, and independence for seniors. The site offers publications, submissions to inquiries, and the Aged Care Visitors Code, relevant for aged care providers and consumers.

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
COTA - Council on the Ageing
/quality-standards/dignity-risk-introduction-aged-care-video

Dignity of risk – Introduction to aged care video

Video
Last Updated

This video explains the concept of dignity of risk in aged care, emphasising that older people have the right to make their own choices, even when those choices involve risks. It provides examples of how care providers can support decision-making while promoting safety and respect for individual autonomy. 

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
Choice, independence and quality of life, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 7.1: Daily living
Dignity of risk – Introduction to aged care video
/quality-standards/seeking-support-advocate

Seeking support from an advocate

Guidance

This resource describes the advocacy support available for people receiving government-funded aged care, provided through the National Aged Care Advocacy Program. It outlines the role of advocates in assisting with understanding services, managing rights, addressing concerns, and learning self-advocacy skills, supporting respectful and fair treatment in aged care.

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
Seeking support from an advocate
/quality-standards/common-barriers

Common barriers

Guidance

This resource outlines common barriers faced by diverse groups in accessing aged care services, including communication challenges, social isolation, experiences of trauma, grief and loss, and social exclusion. It provides guidance on addressing these issues to make sure equitable access to services for all older people.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Common barriers
/quality-standards/goal-setting

Goal setting

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource discusses the role of goal setting in enhancing rehabilitation, reablement, and restorative care for older people. It highlights the value of involving older people in defining goals and the positive impact of goal setting on engagement, daily function, and quality of life.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.4: Comprehensive care
Goal setting
/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)