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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 While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations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 26 result(s)
/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/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/informed-consent

Informed consent

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on ensuring informed consent in healthcare settings. It outlines legal, ethical, and professional requirements for obtaining consent, supports person-centred care, and ensures compliance with Australian healthcare standards. It highlights the importance of providing accurate information about interventions and alternatives, ensuring people have sufficient knowledge of potential risks and benefits. 

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
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/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/racgp-aged-care-clinical-guide-silver-book-part-b-abuse-older-people

RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Abuse of older people

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource provides guidance on recognising, assessing, and managing abuse of older people in various settings, including residential aged care. It covers types of abuse (financial, emotional, physical, sexual, neglect), risk factors, barriers to disclosure, and steps for prevention. The document also includes recommendations for safety planning, intervention strategies, and resources for support across Australian states and territories.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) - Part B - Abuse of older people
/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/essential-element-2-identifying-goals-care

Essential element 2: Identifying goals of care

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource guides providers in identifying and setting goals of care with patients through shared decision-making. It fosters collaboration between patients, family, and healthcare teams to clarify expectations and establish personalised clinical and personal care objectives.

This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting. 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
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
Essential element 2: Identifying goals of care
/quality-standards/care-management-home-care-packages

Care management for Home Care Packages

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource details requirements for managing Home Care Packages, including creating care plans, maintaining Home Care Agreements, and conducting ongoing care discussions. Providers must align services with the person’s needs, goals, and preferences, ensuring high-quality care that is culturally safe and compliant with quality 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
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Care management for Home Care Packages
/quality-standards/supporting-dining-experience-people-living-dementia-providers-and-workers-guide

Supporting the dining experience for people living with dementia – Providers and workers guide

Guidance, Guides
Published date

This guide is about how to support people living with dementia to maintain good nutrition and enjoy positive dining experiences. 

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
Standard
1: The Individual, 6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 6.4: Dining experience
Supporting the dining experience guide thumbnail
/quality-standards/incident-management-systems

Incident Management Systems

Guidance

This resource explains Incident Management Systems (IMS) used in aged care to record, manage, and respond to incidents. It provides guidance on building a safety culture, recording and analysing incidents, and implementing steps to prevent reoccurrences, supporting continuous improvement in care delivery. 

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
Incident management system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management, 3.3: Communicating for safety and quality
Incident Management Systems
/quality-standards/serious-incident-response-scheme-sirs

Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)

Guidance
Last Updated

This resource outlines the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), which helps reduce abuse and neglect of older people in aged care services. It mandates that Commonwealth-subsidised aged care providers implement systems to manage and prevent serious incidents. Providers must report incidents such as abuse, neglect, and unlawful contact, ensuring older people’s safety and wellbeing. 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
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)
/quality-standards/serious-incidents

Serious incidents

Guidance

This resource provides information on how aged care providers should respond to serious incidents, ensuring the safety, health, and wellbeing of people in care. It outlines mandatory reporting requirements for incidents such as abuse, neglect, or financial coercion under the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), aiming to promote transparency and accountability 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
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Serious incidents
/quality-standards/serious-incident-response-scheme

The Serious Incident Response Scheme

Guidance

This resource provides an introduction to the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), outlining its role in managing and reporting serious incidents in aged care. It includes guidance on incident management systems, the responsibilities of managers and workers, and reporting requirements for residential and home services​. 

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
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
The Serious Incident Response Scheme
/quality-standards/reportable-incidents

Reportable incidents

Guidance

This resource outlines reportable incidents within aged care, including Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents. It provides information on the 8 types of incidents that must be reported, such as psychological abuse, neglect, and the inappropriate use of restrictive practices, helping providers meet their obligations. 

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
Incident management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.5: Incident management
Reportable incidents
/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/nsqhs-standards-user-guide-health-care-people-intellectual-disability

NSQHS Standards User Guide for the Health Care of People with Intellectual Disability

Guidance
Published date

This resource provides guidance for the health care of people with intellectual disability. The user guide is part of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. The resource was developed in response to significant evidence of poor health outcomes for people with intellectual disability in Australia’s health system. 

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, Choice, independence and quality of life, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 5.6 Cognitive impairment  
NSQHS Standards User Guide for the Health Care of People with Intellectual Disability
/quality-standards/governing-reform-aged-care-program

Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program

Guidance

This resource outlines the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program, designed to strengthen corporate and clinical governance capabilities for aged care leaders. It provides tools, online learning modules, webinars, and podcasts to support governance improvement and help leaders engage in reform efforts. 

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
Corporate and clinical governance, Accountability and quality system, Risk management system, Incident management system, Feedback and complaints management system, Information management system, Workforce and human resources management, Emergency and disaster management
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.1: Partnering with individuals, 2.2a: Quality, safety and inclusion culture to support aged care workers to deliver quality care, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 2.4: Risk management, 2.5: Incident management, 2.6a: Complaints and feedback management for aged care workers, 2.6b: Complaints and feedback management for individuals, 2.7: Information management, 2.8: Workforce planning, 2.9: Human resource management, 2.10: Emergency and disaster management
Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program
/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