Resource library

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) launched on 1 April 2021. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is helping the aged care sector to prepare for the introduction of the scheme with information and resources and is hosting a series of webinars about the scheme. This first webinar provides an introduction to SIRS and the importance of incident management systems.

This fact sheet provides guidance to providers of aged care on an effective incident management system, the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS). The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) is a new initiative to help prevent and reduce the risk of incidents of abuse and neglect in residential aged care services subsidised by the Australian Government.

This fact sheet provides updated information for providers of aged care on effective infection prevention and control capability. This is critical to the safe, effective delivery of personal and clinical care in aged care. This is particularly the case during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday 10 December 2020, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson hosted a webinar on the recently released new outbreak management planning in aged care guide for aged care providers.

The Commissioner wrote to approved providers on 7 December 2020 about visitor access in a COVID-normal world

To support the aged care sector, the Commission has developed a range of storyboards that are designed to illustrate key behaviours and priority issues. The storyboards are particularly helpful in supporting people whose English or literacy levels may be a barrier when it comes to accessing content and are relevant to all providers and consumers, their families and representatives across the aged care sector. 

Advance Care Planning – Don’t Leave it Too Late

This fact sheet provides a brief overview of the process for preparing to return several residents to their residential aged care facility (RACF) from hospital.

How to stay safe from COVID-19 video is available in 15 different languages. The video aims to help consumers understand the steps they can take to keep themselves safe during the current pandemic. 

COVID-19 is an infection that can be more serious for some older people. We have developed a range of resources to help consumers understand their options on staying safe, keeping in touch with loved ones and keeping fit and active.

These translated guides provide useful information on how to stay safe in a time of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is an infection that’s more serious in some older people. You might be worried but there are ways you can connect with your loved ones while protecting yourself and others. The translated versions of this poster will show you how.

These translated guides will help you understand what to expect if someone has COVID-19 in your residential aged care service, including that a number of changes will take place. These changes will be made very quickly. You might be anxious when these changes take place but the aim is to keep you safe.

If someone has COVID-19 in your residential aged care service, a number of changes will take place. These changes will be made very quickly. You might be anxious when these changes take place but the aim is to keep you safe.

This poster has been translated into 15 languages to help residents understand what to expect in the time of COIVD-19.

In the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 at a residential service, the service’s Outbreak Management Team and key personnel at the service will be working in close co-operation with public health authorities and other parties to ensure an effective emergency response.  A key personnel template has been developed to assist providers in identifying key personnel of the service and their contact details to support this response. 

This discussion paper explores strategies to improve medication management in aged care, including reducing inappropriate prescriptions and promoting non-pharmacological interventions. It reviews current interventions' effectiveness, highlights the use of psychotropic medications, and identifies areas for improving practices through multifaceted and multidisciplinary approaches for better resident outcomes and healthcare quality. 

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. 

On Thursday 6 August 2020, the Commission held a webinar for NSW/QLD-based providers of residential aged care services to share insights from the Commission’s work in monitoring and supporting services to prepare for and respond to an outbreak.

It’s important to stay in touch with the people you love, even if COVID-19 restrictions mean they can’t visit you as easily or as often.

Are you missing some of your favourite activities? You can still do many of the social activities you enjoy, though they may be a little different.

Download the How to stay safe from COVID-19 images for social media, email and web.

Download the Stay connected with the people you love during COVID-19 images for social media, email and web.

Download the How to stay active and enjoy yourself during COVID-19 images for social media, email and web.