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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 24 result(s)
/quality-standards/cultural-safety-health-care-indigenous-australians-monitoring-framework

Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource uses available data to measure progress in achieving cultural safety in the health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The monitoring framework covers 3 modules: Module 1 – Culturally respectful health care services; Module 2 – Patient experience of health care; and Module 3 – Access to health care services.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework
/quality-standards/maintaining-personal-identity

Maintaining personal identity

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
Person-centred care, Dignity, respect and privacy, Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.2: Dignity, respect and privacy, 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Maintaining personal identity
/quality-standards/not-profit-governance-principles

Not-for-Profit Governance Principles

Guidance
Published date

This resource outlines the Not-for-Profit Governance Principles, a framework designed to help not-for-profit organisations, including aged care providers, achieve good governance. It covers key areas such as board roles, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and organisational culture. The principles provide practical guidance to improve governance practices, ensuring accountability and sustainability in the sector.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Not-for-Profit Governance Principles
/quality-standards/informed-consent-health-direct

Informed consent - Health Direct

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource explains the legal requirements and processes for obtaining informed consent for medical treatments, procedures, and care. It is relevant to aged care by ensuring that people understand their healthcare options, risks, and benefits, supporting their ability to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning, Care coordination and transitions
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 7.2: Transitions
Informed consent
/quality-standards/communication-matters

Communication Matters

Video
Published date

This You Tube video emphasises the importance of communication for people in aged care, especially those with impairments. It advocates using varied methods, such as gestures and expressions, to make sure everyone can connect meaningfully, supporting dignity and autonomy.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Communication Matters
/quality-standards/trauma-informed-care-and-practice-organisational-toolkit

Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit

Tool

This toolkit provides guidance for organisations on implementing trauma-informed care practices, aiming to improve safety, trust, and empowerment in care settings. It outlines strategies to adapt policies, environments, and staff approaches to better support people with trauma histories in various care environments.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, 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, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit
/quality-standards/ageing-and-communication

Ageing and Communication

Fact sheet

This resource discusses age-related communication changes, covering sensory, speech, language, and cognitive adjustments. It offers strategies for improving communication, such as using hearing aids, choosing quiet settings, and involving speech pathologists, helping older people and their families maintain effective and enjoyable communication.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Ageing and Communication
/quality-standards/supported-decision-making

Supported decision-making

Tool

This resource explains supported decision-making, a process that helps people retain control over choices in their lives, even with cognitive challenges. It outlines how aged care providers can support people’s decisions, providing information in accessible formats and respecting autonomy, as endorsed by national and international rights frameworks.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Supported decision-making
/quality-standards/dignity-risk

Dignity of Risk

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on the concept of dignity of risk. It includes information about how to reframe thinking and ways you can support dignity of risk. The resource highlights the importance of choice and independence, and supporting someone to do what they want safely.

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
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
/quality-standards/reconciliation-action-plans

Reconciliation Action Plans

Guidance

This resource provides information about Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), including what they are, how to develop a RAP for your organisation, and who has one. RAPs support organisations to strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
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, 2.2b: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support individuals
Reconciliation Action Plans
/quality-standards/quality-aged-care-gen-data-page

Quality in aged care - Gen Data Page

Guidance, Report
Last Updated

This resource provides an overview of quality indicators and consumer experience surveys in aged care. It details mandatory quality metrics, including physical and clinical indicators, and feedback from people in aged care, offering insights into service performance and supporting informed choices in 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
External resource
Key Theme
Accountability and quality system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures
Quality in aged care - Gen Data Page
/quality-standards/measurement-tools-assessing-quality-life-consumer-satisfaction-and-consumer-experience-across-residential-and-home-aged-care-summary-report

Measurement tools for assessing quality of life, consumer satisfaction and consumer experience across residential and in-home aged care: Summary Report

Report
Last Updated

This report reviews validated tools for measuring quality of life, consumer satisfaction, and experience in aged care, assessing their suitability for residential and home care. It provides an evidence-based ranking of tools to support aged care providers in quality improvement, accountability, and aligning with the National Aged Care Quality Indicator Program. 

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
Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Measurement tools for assessing quality of life: Summary Report
/quality-standards/nutrition-informed-choice

Nutrition - Informed choice

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource discusses the importance of informed choice in aged care dining, emphasising a person-centred approach. It highlights the benefits of offering choice in meals and mealtimes, outlines how to manage decisions that involve risk, and provides tools for aged care workers to support resident autonomy while ensuring safety and satisfaction. 

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
Choice, independence and quality of life, Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 6.3: Provision of food and drinks, 7.1: Daily living
Nutrition - Informed choice
/quality-standards/older-persons-advocacy-network

Older Persons Advocacy Network

Guidance

This resource provides information on aged care advocacy services, offering free and confidential support to older people receiving government-funded aged care. It includes resources to help people understand their rights, navigate the aged care system, and access advocacy for issues such as care quality, decision-making, and protection from harm. 

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
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
Older Persons Advocacy Network
/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/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/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