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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 101 to 120 of 126 result(s)
/quality-standards/consumer-and-carer-engagement-practical-guide

Consumer and carer engagement: A practical guide

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides a guide for engaging consumers and carers in mental health services. It outlines steps for involving people in decision-making, service design, and evaluation. The guide emphasises co-design, leadership, and dedicated resources to create a person-centred approach that improves care and service outcomes.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Care coordination and transitions, Assessment and planning, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.1: Partnering with individuals, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services
Consumer and carer engagement: A practical guide
/quality-standards/qi-program-quick-reference-guide-unplanned-weight-loss

QI Program quick reference guide – Unplanned weight loss

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides a quick reference guide for approved aged care providers on collecting and reporting data related to unplanned weight loss as part of the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program. It outlines reporting requirements for significant and consecutive unplanned weight loss and offers guidance on how to track and submit data quarterly. 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
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
QI Program quick reference guide – Unplanned weight loss
/quality-standards/advance-care-planning-australia

Advance Care Planning Australia

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information on advance care planning, which enables people to make decisions about their future health care in case they are unable to communicate their preferences. It helps ensure that healthcare providers and loved ones understand and respect their treatment choices. The resource includes tools, forms, and advice for creating an advance care plan.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care, Assessment and planning
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Advance Care Planning Australia
/quality-standards/maggie-beer-foundation-online-training-modules

Maggie Beer Foundation - Online Training Modules

Guidance

This resource offers free online training modules designed to improve food experiences for older people in aged care. The modules cover topics such as creating appetising meals, food presentation, and supporting nutrition and hydration. The program is intended for cooks, chefs, and aged care providers to enhance the quality of food service in care settings.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Maggie Beer Foundation - Online Training Modules
/quality-standards/implementing-comprehensive-care-standard-clinical-assessment-and-diagnosis

Implementing the Comprehensive Care Standard - Clinical assessment and diagnosis

Guidance
Published date

This document provides guidance on implementing the clinical assessment and diagnosis element of the Comprehensive Care Standard (National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards). It helps clinicians identify a person’s conditions or needs through examination and investigation. The resource supports safe, patient-centred care, improving diagnostic accuracy and promoting teamwork in 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
Care coordination and transitions, Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.4: Comprehensive care, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Implementing the Comprehensive Care Standard - Clinical assessment and diagnosis
/quality-standards/nsqmhcmo-standards-guide-service-providers

NSQMHCMO Standards Guide for Service Providers

Guidance
Published date

This guide helps service providers implement the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations. It covers governance, care models, and quality systems. While focused on mental health services, elements like governance and quality may be relevant to 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
Clinical safety, Assessment and planning
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 3.1 Assessment and planning
NSQMHCMO Standards Guide for Service Providers
/quality-standards/improving-accommodation-residential-aged-care

Improving accommodation in residential aged care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information on improving accommodation in residential aged care through the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines, effective from July 2024. It covers areas such as creating dementia-friendly environments, improving access to outdoor spaces, fostering community connections, and ensuring privacy. The guidelines aim to promote independence and a home-like atmosphere. 

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
Environment, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Food and nutrition
Standard
4: The Environment, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 6.4: Dining experience, 7.1: Daily living
Improving accommodation in residential aged care
/quality-standards/racgp-aged-care-clinical-guide-silver-book-part-b-anticipatory-care

RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Anticipatory care

Guidance
Last Updated

This guide outlines anticipatory care planning for older adults, focusing on proactive and person-centred approaches. It details triggers for care planning, identifying vulnerability, medication management, and the use of 'as needed' (PRN) medicines for various conditions like allergic reactions, asthma, diabetes, falls, and palliative care. It includes specific recommendations for developing individualised care plans and appropriate interventions for maintaining health and quality of life.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Environment, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services, 4: The Environment
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.4: Comprehensive care
RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Anticipatory care
/quality-standards/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-mental-health-program

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health program

Fact sheet
Last Updated

This resource provides information on a mental health program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It includes funding for culturally appropriate mental health services, offering psychological therapies, complex care, and clinical coordination. The program integrates with other services such as drug and alcohol support and suicide prevention initiatives. 

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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Clinical safety, Person-centred care
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 1: The Individual
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 1.1: Person-centred care
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health program
/quality-standards/mental-health-and-wellbeing-dementia-and-mental-health

Mental health and wellbeing - Dementia and mental health

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource examines mental health challenges in people living with dementia, covering complexities in diagnosing conditions like depression and anxiety. It provides evidence-based insights on therapeutic approaches, including music and cognitive therapies, and offers tools to aid aged care providers in supporting mental health in dementia care.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Clinical safety
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Mental health and wellbeing - Dementia and mental health
/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/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/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/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