Quality Standards Resource Centre

This resource describes the Good Spirit Good Life (GSGL) framework for assessing the quality of life of older Aboriginal people, focusing on culturally important factors such as connection to Country, family, and spirituality. It includes tools for both self-reporting and carer-assisted reporting.

This resource was developed by a state/territory government or organisation and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

This resource offers practical guidance on effective engagement with older people, highlighting diverse communication methods, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive strategies to capture meaningful input. It supports collaborative relationships and respectful dialogue with older people in decision-making processes.

This resource was developed by a state/territory government or organisation and therefore its applicability and usefulness may be limited.

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.

This resource offers a collection of topic-based resource sheets for workers, covering wellbeing issues relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It includes information on topics like alcohol, anxiety, cultural identity, depression, and trauma. The resources consist of videos, fact sheets, podcasts, apps, and websites to support practitioners and the wellbeing workforce.

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. 

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.

This fact sheet covers the frequently asked questions about consent in aged care.

This fact sheet informs aged care residents of their rights to safe, enjoyable, and respectful dining experiences. It outlines steps for raising concerns with providers about food and dining, offers a preference form for residents to communicate their dietary needs, and provides contact information for support services if issues remain unresolved. 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. 

The ‘A little yarn goes a long way’ fact sheet has been developed to inform older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and their friends and family, about the support available to help them resolve concerns about aged care services, and why it’s important to raise these concerns.

Information is also available in 7 different languages including: English, Alyawarra, Arrernte, Luritja, Pitjantjatjarra, Torres Strait Creole and Warlpiri.

We’ve developed a tailorable poster for you to edit with your own local details, and print and display at community notice boards or waiting areas.

The storyboards use pictures to explain aged care, your rights and what to do if your rights aren’t being met.

This resource explains the role of consumer advisory bodies in aged care, which provide feedback to governing bodies on care and services. It outlines the process for joining, the importance of feedback in decision-making, and the responsibility of providers to offer participation opportunities annually​. 

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.

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.

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.

This resource presents the Draft National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing, which aims to foster partnerships between health policymakers and communities. It is designed to involve people and communities in the development and implementation of preventive health policies. The strategy supports policymakers and program developers in engaging effectively with consumers to achieve improved health outcomes across Australia. 

This resource provides a guide for engaging consumers and carers in mental health services. It outlines steps for involving people in decision-making, service design, and evaluation. The guide emphasises co-design, leadership, and dedicated resources to create a person-centred approach that improves care and service outcomes.

This resource provides information on the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia's work, including advocacy, policy priorities, and resources for older adults. It highlights key areas such as dental care affordability, aged care reform, and independence for seniors. The site offers publications, submissions to inquiries, and the Aged Care Visitors Code, relevant for aged care providers and consumers.

This resource provides information on a mental health program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It includes funding for culturally appropriate mental health services, offering psychological therapies, complex care, and clinical coordination. The program integrates with other services such as drug and alcohol support and suicide prevention initiatives. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 July 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

This resource describes the advocacy support available for people receiving government-funded aged care, provided through the National Aged Care Advocacy Program. It outlines the role of advocates in assisting with understanding services, managing rights, addressing concerns, and learning self-advocacy skills, supporting respectful and fair treatment in aged care.