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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 181 to 200 of 223 result(s)
/quality-standards/dementia-our-mob

Dementia & Our Mob

Guidance

This resource provides information about dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It covers the effects on mind, body, and spirit, the prevalence among older and younger people, risk factors like genetics and lifestyle, and the types of dementia most common in these communities. It emphasises the importance of cultural understanding in dementia care.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Dementia & Our Mob
/quality-standards/abbey-pain-scale

Abbey Pain Scale

Forms
Published date

This resource introduces the Abbey Pain Scale, a non-verbal pain assessment tool designed for identifying pain in people living with dementia. It aids healthcare professionals in recognising pain behaviours in those unable to communicate their needs effectively, supporting timely and appropriate pain management interventions.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Clinical safety
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.5: Safety of clinical care services
/quality-standards/racgp-guidelines-preventive-activities-general-practice-miscellaneous

RACGP Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice - Miscellaneous

Guidance

This resource provides guidelines for preventive activities in general practice, covering frailty, hearing, sleep disorders, oral health, urinary incontinence, and vision.

Author
External resource
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
RACGP Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice - Miscellaneous
/quality-standards/cognitive-impairment-and-dementia-care-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people

Cognitive impairment and dementia care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Guidance
Published date

This resource is a best-practice guide to cognitive impairment and dementia care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attending primary health care. It combines clinical evidence with cultural principles, addressing health promotion, prevention, detection, and management of dementia, while also providing culturally informed recommendations on end-of-life care and support for carers within the context of primary care services.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
Cognitive impairment and dementia care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
/quality-standards/health-care-people-cognitive-disability

Health care for people with cognitive disability

Discussion paper
Published date

This resource addresses the challenges people with cognitive disabilities face when accessing healthcare, such as communication barriers, limited access to quality services, over-prescription, and restrictive practices. It invites feedback on how to improve care quality and ensure the human rights of those with disabilities are upheld, incorporating considerations for different cultural and demographic groups.

Author
External resource
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
Health care for people with cognitive disability
/quality-standards/dementia-and-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people

Dementia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides information on dementia tailored specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It offers culturally appropriate materials, guidance for health professionals, and support services tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities, promoting awareness, diagnosis, and management of dementia in these populations.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Dementia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
/quality-standards/palliative-care-knowledge-network-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-care

Palliative care knowledge network - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides culturally safe and responsive palliative care information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It includes guidance for health professionals on culturally appropriate care, patient and family journeys, and relevant research and practices to support respectful and effective healthcare for Indigenous communities.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Palliative and end of life care
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care
Palliative care knowledge network - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care
/quality-standards/nutrition

Nutrition

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on nutrition for people in palliative care. It highlights the importance of prioritising comfort and quality of life over nutritional intake. It discusses oral intake, artificial hydration, and medically assisted nutrition, emphasising communication with families and cultural considerations when managing nutrition and hydration at the end of life.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Clinical safety, Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services
Nutrition
/quality-standards/nsqhs-standards-user-guide-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health

NSQHS Standards User guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Guidance
Published date
Last Updated

The resource provides a guide for health service organisations to improve care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, focusing on 6 specific actions. It highlights strategies to build partnerships, enhance cultural competency, and ensure equitable, safe, and high-quality 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
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
NSQHS Standards User guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
/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/healing-foundation-resources

Healing Foundation - Resources

Guidance

This resource provides access to a range of materials aimed at promoting healing within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It includes documents on trauma, healing projects, and initiatives like the Stolen Generations redress schemes. Providers can use these resources to understand historical and ongoing trauma and support culturally sensitive care within aged care environments, fostering healing and resilience.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Healing Foundation - Resources
/quality-standards/trauma-aged-care-support-and-information-hub

Trauma & Aged Care - Support and Information Hub

Guidance

This resource provides information and support for aged care providers, workers, and people in aged care who may have experienced trauma. It offers resources to address trauma-related issues, both for those affected and for those providing care. It also provides guidance for aged care managers and the workforce to ensure trauma-informed care practices are integrated into aged care services.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Trauma & Aged Care - Support and Information Hub
/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/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-plan-2021-2031

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021–2031

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021–2031, which focuses on improving health outcomes through culturally safe, prevention-focused care. It emphasises addressing cultural and social determinants of health across the life course. The plan supports self-determination, eliminating racism, and fostering partnerships with community-controlled health services to make sure equitable access to health and wellbeing services. 

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021–2031
/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/national-agreement-closing-gap

National Agreement on Closing the Gap

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, focusing on improving life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It includes key areas for joint national action, prioritising cultural safety and addressing inequalities. The agreement encourages collaboration with communities to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
National Agreement on Closing the Gap
/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/comprehensive-care-element-5-deliver-comprehensive-care-actions-health-service-organisations

Comprehensive Care - Element 5: Deliver comprehensive care - Actions for health service organisations

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource outlines the key actions for health service organisations to deliver comprehensive care. It ensures care is provided continuously and collaboratively, aligning with the patient’s diagnoses, goals, and care plan. It promotes a person-centred, multidisciplinary approach, with staff training to support comprehensive care delivery. Applicable to multiple 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, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.4: Comprehensive care, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Comprehensive Care - Element 5: Deliver comprehensive care - Actions for health service organisations
/quality-standards/implementing-comprehensive-care-standard-review-and-improve-comprehensive-care-delivery

Implementing the Comprehensive Care Standard - Review and improve comprehensive care delivery

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance for reviewing and improving comprehensive care delivery. It outlines how to assess if care meets clinical and personal needs, mitigates risks, and achieves intended outcomes. Relevant to aged care, it helps clinicians and managers implement continuous quality improvement in care delivery processes. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services, 5.4: Comprehensive care
Implementing the Comprehensive Care Standard - Review and improve comprehensive care delivery
/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