The New Aged Care Act
The New Aged Care Act that will be introduced on the 1st of July 2025, responds to approximately 60 recommendations from the Royal Commission. Among those recommendations are the introduction of a Statement of Rights for older people, the Support at Home Program, and stronger powers for the regulator, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).
The new Aged Care Act will also deliver a range of improvements including a new regulatory model and strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards to ensure older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
The New Strengthened Aged Care Standards
The strengthened standards place older people at the center of their care, increase protections for older people, and support people living with dementia, while also better including people from diverse backgrounds.
The number of Standards has been reduced down to 7, and these are:
- The Person – It defines the way providers and workers should treat older people, reflect the new Statement of Rights and is relevant to all Quality Standards.
- The Organisation – It sets the expectations about the quality care and services that a provider’s governing body must meet.
- The Care and Services – It describes how providers must deliver care and services for all service types.
- The environment – This standard ensures older people receive care and services in a physical environment that is safe and supportive and meets their needs.
- Clinical Care – This describes provider responsibilities to deliver safe and quality clinical care to older people.
- Food and Nutrician – This Quality Standard outlines the food and nutrition obligations for residential aged care providers.
- The Residential Community – This Quality Standard directs residential aged care providers to ensure community is central to the lives of aged care residents.
Do you have further questions?
If you wish to know more about the New Aged Care Standards then visit the government’s webpage.