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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 100 result(s)
/quality-standards/meaningful-lifestyle-activities

Meaningful lifestyle activities

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource discusses the importance of engagement in meaningful lifestyle activities for people living in aged care. It includes information about understanding meaningful lifestyle activities and links to a collection of resources collated by ARIIA that are relevant to this theme.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 7.1: Daily living
Meaningful lifestyle activities
/quality-standards/my-5-moments-hand-hygiene-focus-caring-patient-urinary-catheter

My 5 moments for hand hygiene: focus on caring for a patient with a urinary catheter

Poster
Published date

This resource outlines the ‘5 Moments for Hand Hygiene’ with specific considerations for patients with urinary catheters, aiming to minimise infection risks. It provides steps for appropriate hand hygiene before and after touching the patient, performing aseptic procedures, and handling catheter equipment.

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

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
My 5 moments for hand hygiene: focus on caring for a patient with a urinary catheter
/quality-standards/global-strategy-infection-prevention-and-control

Global strategy on infection prevention and control

Guidance

This resource provides a global framework for infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare settings, aiming to reduce healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. It offers strategic directions for achieving measurable improvements by 2030, supporting patient safety, healthcare worker protection, and sustainable health outcomes worldwide.

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

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Global strategy on infection prevention and control
/quality-standards/infection-control-guidelines

Infection Control Guidelines

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides infection control guidelines for managing infectious diseases in care settings, covering protocols for exposure to blood and body fluids, managing respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, and handling high-risk infections. It includes standard precautions, waste disposal, and cleaning procedures to maintain safety and reduce transmission.

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
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Infection Control Guidelines
/quality-standards/my-healthy-home-home-health-factsheet-series

My healthy home: home health factsheet series

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource offers accessible health information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on preventing illness in the home. It includes room-based fact sheets with actions to improve environmental health, available as individual sheets or a workbook. This resource includes state-specific information and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services, Environment, Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.1a: Environment – services delivered in the individual’s home, 4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
My healthy home: home health factsheet series
/quality-standards/bedrooms-and-privacy

Bedrooms and privacy

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers guidance on maintaining personal identity for people with dementia by fostering respect, independence, and communication. It suggests environmental and social modifications to enhance dignity, such as personalising spaces, supporting mobility, and addressing unmet needs.

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
Dignity, respect and privacy, Environment, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 4: The Environment, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 4.1b: Environment – services delivered other than in the individual’s home, 7.1: Daily living
Bedrooms and privacy
/quality-standards/management-peripheral-intravenous-catheters-clinical-care-standard

Management of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Clinical Care Standard

Guidance
Published date

This resource is the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's Clinical Care Standard for the management of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters (PIVCs), aiming to reduce complications and improve care quality. It includes quality statements on PIVC assessment, insertion, maintenance, and removal, supporting best practices in all healthcare settings. The standard applies to all contexts where PIVCs are used, with the term ‘patients’ encompassing people across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, emergency services, and community care. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Management of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Clinical Care Standard
/quality-standards/nsqhs-standards-implementation-guide-action-311-aseptic-technique

NSQHS Standards Implementation guide for Action 3.11 Aseptic Technique

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource is an implementation guide designed to help health service organisations meet the requirements of Action 3.11 on aseptic technique under the NSQHS Standards. It outlines how to identify procedures requiring aseptic technique, assess workforce competence, provide relevant training, and monitor compliance. It aims to reduce healthcare-associated infections, ensuring safer care delivery, particularly relevant to aged care providers.This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
NSQHS Standards Implementation guide for Action 3.11 Aseptic Technique
/quality-standards/physical-activity-guidelines-older-people

Physical activity guidelines for older people

Guidance

This resource provides physical activity guidelines for older people, highlighting the benefits of staying active. It recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily, including strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular exercises. The document also provides tips for safely starting and maintaining an exercise routine to support healthy ageing.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
7.1: Daily living
Physical activity guidelines for older people
/quality-standards/covid-19-resource-kit

COVID-19 resource kit

Fact sheet, Guidance
Last Updated

This resource kit provides downloadable tools for businesses, including aged care, to manage COVID-19 risks. It includes checklists, posters, and infographics covering hygiene, physical distancing, cleaning, and response actions if a worker contracts COVID-19. These materials help workplaces implement safe practices and reduce the spread of the virus.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
COVID-19 resource kit
/quality-standards/translated-resources-sexually-transmissible-infections

Translated resources on sexually transmissible infections

Fact sheet, Video
Last Updated

This resource provides translated videos, fact sheets, and posters from the Beforeplay campaign to educate multicultural communities about sexually transmissible infections (STIs). It promotes STI testing, safe sex practices, and includes materials in multiple languages to improve accessibility and encourage conversations around sexual health.

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Translated resources on sexually transmissible infections
/quality-standards/standard-and-transmission-based-precautions-posters

Standard and transmission-based precautions posters

Poster
Published date

This resource includes posters outlining standard and transmission-based precautions for infection control. It provides guidance on preventing healthcare-associated infections through hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning. These posters support staff in implementing best practices for infection prevention across care settings, including aged care facilities. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Standard and transmission-based precautions posters
/quality-standards/covid-19-information-workplaces-aged-care

COVID-19 Information for workplaces - Aged care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides work health and safety (WHS) guidance for the aged care industry during COVID-19. It includes information on employer responsibilities, safe workplace practices, and compliance with public health directions. It supports aged care providers in managing COVID-19 risks across various settings, including residential, respite, and in-home care services.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
COVID-19 Information for workplaces - Aged care
/quality-standards/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource explains respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common and highly contagious virus that affects the airways and lungs. It outlines symptoms, prevention, and potential complications, especially for young children and older adults. It also provides information on diagnosis, treatment, and recently approved vaccines for at-risk groups.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
/quality-standards/resources-sexually-transmissible-infections

Resources on sexually transmissible infections

Fact sheet, Video
Last Updated

This resource offers materials from the Beforeplay campaign to raise awareness about sexually transmissible infections (STIs). It provides videos, fact sheets, and posters aimed at educating people on STI prevention, testing, and protection, with tailored resources for various groups including young people, couples, and healthcare professionals. 

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Resources on sexually transmissible infections
/quality-standards/national-hand-hygiene-initiative-nhhi

National Hand Hygiene Initiative – NHHI

Tool
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI), aimed at preventing infections in healthcare settings through effective hand hygiene practices. It offers tools, training, and data for hand hygiene compliance, supporting healthcare providers in reducing contamination risks and improving patient safety. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
National Hand Hygiene Initiative – NHHI
/quality-standards/ensuring-appropriate-patient-placement

Ensuring appropriate patient placement

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance on ensuring appropriate patient placement in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. It supports healthcare workers in assessing and allocating beds based on infection risks, promoting effective use of PPE, dedicated equipment, and environmental cleaning as part of transmission-based precautions. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Ensuring appropriate patient placement
/quality-standards/preventing-urinary-tract-infections-recognise-dehydration-poster

Preventing urinary tract infections: recognise dehydration poster

Poster
Published date
Last Updated

This provider poster is an educational tool is part of the Commission’s resource bundle to improve antibiotic use for urinary tract infections in aged care services.

Dinka - Pɛ̈n Tuany ë lɛc  (PDF  200.17 KB)
Korean - 요로 감염 예방  (PDF  205.57 KB)
Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Two columns: 1. urine colour chart; 2. outline of human body
/quality-standards/what-dignity-risk-consumer-resources

What is dignity of risk? consumer resources

Guidance, Guides, Poster
Published date

The Commission has developed a number of resources to help aged care consumers understand what dignity of risk is and what actions you should expect from your provider. The dignity of risk is another way of saying you have the right to live the life you choose.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
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
3 circles(purple an elderly lady with a thinking bubble which says make sure you understand the risks to you and others, orange circle with 2 ladies with speech bubbles wit the words work with you to manage those risks, yellow green circle with a speech bubble one of them has a heart and the other is a blank speech bubble and has the words respect your decision) with on a teal background .
/quality-standards/dip-or-not-dip-implementation-guide-nurse-and-pharmacist-champions

To Dip or Not to Dip - Implementation Guide for Nurse and Pharmacist Champions

Guidance, Guides
Published date

To Dip or Not to Dip (TDONTD) is a quality improvement intervention successfully implemented in UK and Australian aged care homes to improve UTI assessment and antibiotic prescribing appropriateness.

This implementation guide has been drawn from the experiences of homes and champions who have implemented TDONTD, along with feedback from aged care nurses and personal care assistants who have used TDONTD resources.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
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
To dip or not to dip implementation guide thumbnail