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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 1 to 20 of 43 result(s)
/quality-standards/palliaged-practice-centre

palliAGED - Practice Centre

Guidance

This resource provides information for care workers about palliative care. The Practice Centre provides links to, and information about, tools and resources to use in practice and improve care and outcomes in palliative care. It includes sections on improving practice, symptoms, medicines and tipsheets.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Palliative and end of life care, Food and nutrition
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
palliAGED - Practice Centre
/quality-standards/palliaged-evidence-centre

palliAGED - Evidence Centre

Guidance

This resource provides evidence-based information for the healthcare sector about palliative care. It includes evidence summaries on topics related to palliative care, such as advance care planning, advocacy, care coordination, goals of care, nutrition and needs assessment.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Palliative and end of life care, Food and nutrition
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
palliAGED - Evidence Centre
/quality-standards/national-strategic-framework-rural-and-remote-health

National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health

Guidance
Last Updated

This framework addresses health service challenges in rural and remote areas, aiming to improve access, workforce sustainability, and care models through coordinated strategies. It guides policymakers and providers on adapting health services for rural contexts, fostering collaboration, and enhancing infrastructure, with a focus on equitable and culturally relevant care. 

This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. 

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health
/quality-standards/malnutrition-universal-screening-tool

Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool

Tool

The ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (‘MUST’) is a widely used tool for identifying malnutrition risk in adults across various settings. It includes interactive e-learning modules with case studies and assessments, helping staff improve nutritional care and meet quality standards.

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

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Clinical safety, Food and nutrition
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
/quality-standards/best-practice-food-and-nutrition-manual-aged-care

Best Practice Food and Nutrition Manual for Aged Care

Guidance
Published date

This manual offers practical guidelines on food and nutrition best practices in aged care homes, covering menu planning, meal enjoyment, hydration, and malnutrition prevention. It includes checklists, screening tools, and dietary considerations tailored to the needs of older people.

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
Clinical safety, Food and nutrition
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 6.4: Dining experience
Best Practice Food and Nutrition Manual for Aged Care
/quality-standards/standardised-care-processes

Standardised care processes

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers evidence-based standardised care processes for aged care providers, covering high-risk clinical areas such as falls, pain, incontinence, and dehydration. It provides structured guidelines to support best practices, ensuring consistent and safe care for older people in residential settings.

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
Medication management, Clinical safety, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Palliative and end of life care, Food and nutrition
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines, 5.5: Safety of clinical care services, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  , 5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks
Standardised care processes
/quality-standards/digital-health

Digital Health

Guidance

This resource outlines how digital health technologies, including telehealth, electronic medication management, and My Health Record, can improve healthcare delivery. It focuses on enhancing communication, reducing readmissions, and providing better access to care, especially in remote areas.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
Digital Health
/quality-standards/racgp-aged-care-clinical-guide-silver-book-part-b-medical-records-residential-aged-care-facilities

RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Medical records at residential aged care facilities

Guidance
Last Updated

This guide covers managing medical records in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). It describes different practitioner models (solo, practice-based, aged care-specific) and provides standards for record-keeping, sharing notes, and maintaining clinical governance. The guide suggests methods for transferring medical information to RACF staff, including printing, electronic sharing, and handover notes.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Information management system, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
2: The Organisation, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 5.1: Clinical governance
RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Medical records at residential aged care facilities
/quality-standards/conformant-clinical-software-products

Conformant clinical software products

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides a register of conformant clinical software products that meet national digital health requirements, enabling functions like My Health Record access, health summary uploads, and prescription management. Organisations using the register should verify entries’ currency and accuracy as updates depend on software developers.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Information management system, Corporate and clinical governance
Standard
2: The Organisation, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
2.7: Information management, 5.1: Clinical governance
Conformant clinical software products
/quality-standards/aged-care-data-and-digital-strategy-2024-2029

Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029

Guidance
Published date

The Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029 outlines a framework for leveraging data and digital innovation to improve aged care services. It focuses on enhancing care delivery, reducing administrative burdens, and empowering older people through better access to information and services. The strategy supports collaboration across the aged care sector and promotes continual improvement through digital transformation.

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029
/quality-standards/about-health-data-australia

About health data in Australia

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource explains the collection, use, and regulation of health data in Australia. It highlights the importance of health data in improving healthcare, policy-making, and research. The document details various data sources, including the National Health Data Hub, ensuring data privacy and security while maximising the benefits of health information for research and service improvement. 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
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.7: Information management
About health data in Australia
/quality-standards/digital-transformation-aged-care-sector

Digital transformation for the aged care sector

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the digital transformation agenda for the aged care sector in Australia, focusing on creating a consolidated, sustainable, and modern IT network. It includes strategies for improving connections between clients, providers, and the government, offering webinars and resources to support this transition. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.7: Information management
Digital transformation for the aged care sector
/quality-standards/residential-aged-care-food-services-discussion-paper

Residential aged care food services discussion paper

Discussion paper
Published date

This paper presents a high-level overview of contemporary evidence regarding food services in residential aged care settings.

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
Cover page - Residential aged care food services discussion paper with two women at a table enjoying a meal
/quality-standards/cultural-considerations-food-nutrition-and-dining

Cultural considerations in Food, Nutrition and Dining

Guidance

This resource provides guidance on incorporating cultural considerations into food, nutrition, and dining in aged care settings. It highlights the importance of understanding diverse dietary preferences, religious practices, and family dynamics to support person-centred care, improve wellbeing, and promote inclusivity within the aged care environment. 

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, Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition, 1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences, 1.1: Person-centred care, 7.1: Daily living
Cultural considerations in Food, Nutrition and Dining
/quality-standards/digital-transformation-aged-care-sector-resources

Digital transformation for the aged care sector resources

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides access to various materials related to digital transformation in the aged care sector, including videos, presentations, and meeting summaries. It offers insights into building a modern, connected aged care IT network and shares updates from sector partner meetings on digital transformation initiatives. 

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
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.7: Information management
Digital transformation for the aged care sector resources
/quality-standards/food-thought-positive-stories

Food for thought - positive stories

Guidance

This resource shares positive stories about food, nutrition, and dining improvements in aged care facilities. It highlights initiatives that enhance the dining experience, including resident involvement in meal planning, use of fresh and seasonal ingredients, and creating more social and enjoyable mealtime environments. These stories demonstrate best practices and innovative approaches to improve resident satisfaction and wellbeing. 

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 for thought - positive stories
/quality-standards/food-nutrition-dining-resources-providers

Food, nutrition & dining: resources for providers

Guidance

This resource provides tools and guidance for aged care providers to ensure quality food, nutrition, and dining experiences. It includes hotlines, resources for dining, choice, swallowing, and oral health, as well as webinars, research findings, and practical tips to support older adults' wellbeing and meet care standards. 

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
Clinical safety, Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
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, 7.1: Daily living
Food, nutrition & dining: resources for providers
/quality-standards/improving-aged-care-speech-pathology-why-it-matters-and-how-it-helps

Improving aged care with speech pathology: Why it matters and how it helps

Guidance

This page highlights the role of speech pathologists in supporting older people with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties. It provides resources for aged care providers on how to improve care quality through effective communication tools and tailored strategies. This resource includes practical examples, like sample plates and picture boards, for enhancing dining experiences and supporting individual choice. 

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, Food and nutrition
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.4: Comprehensive care, 6.2: Assessment of nutritional needs and preferences
Improving aged care with speech pathology: Why it matters and how it helps
/quality-standards/set-access-my-aged-care

Set up access to My Aged Care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance for aged care assessors and service providers on accessing and using the My Aged Care portals. It outlines steps for setting up secure access through authentication methods, managing organisation information, and creating staff accounts, supporting efficient service delivery and assessment 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Information management system
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 2: The Organisation
Outcomes
5.1: Clinical governance, 2.7: Information management
Set up access to My Aged Care
/quality-standards/respecting-privacy-and-dignity-clients

Respecting the privacy and dignity of clients

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance about respecting the privacy and dignity of clients. It includes information about personal privacy, the Privacy Act, what classifies as health information, consent and privacy of information. It also includes information about person-centred care and client dignity. 

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
External resource
Key Theme
Dignity, respect and privacy, Information management system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 2.7: Information management, 7.1: Daily living
Respecting the privacy and dignity of clients