New Strengthened Quality Standards
The New Strengthened Quality Age Care Standards
The Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened to improve the quality of care you receive, and these take effect under the new Aged Care Act on 1 November 2025
The Strengthened New Aged Care Quality Standards include:
-placing older people at the centre of aged care
-better supporting people living with dementia
-being more inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds
-stronger requirements for clinical care, food and nutrition
-more protections for you
There are 7 Quality Standards and below is a short description of each, along with a link to an informative fact Sheet.
Standard 1: The individual
This Quality Standard defines the way providers and workers should treat older people, reflect the new Statement of Rights and is relevant to all Quality Standards.
It defines:
– dignity and respect
– individuality and diversity
– independence
– choice and control
– culturally safe care
– dignity of risk – meaning older people have the right to live how they choose, even if their choices involve some risk.
These foster a sense of safety, autonomy, inclusion and quality of life for older people.
Fact Sheet for Standard 1
Standard 2: The organisation
This Quality Standard sets the expectations about the quality care and services that a provider’s governing body must meet. The governing body directs the organisation’s strategic priorities and promotes a culture of safety and quality. Governance systems and workforce are critical for safe, quality care.
Fact Sheet for Standard 2
Standard 3: The care and services
This Quality Standard describes how providers must deliver care and services for all service types. This includes how to support the workforce to ensure effective assessment, planning, communication and coordination.
Fact Sheet for Standard 3
Standard 4: The environment
This Quality Standard ensures older people receive care and services in a physical environment that is safe and supportive and meets their needs.
Fact Sheet for Standard 4
Standard 5: Clinical care
This Quality Standard describes provider responsibilities to deliver safe and quality clinical care to older people.
Fact Sheet for Standard 5
Standard 6: Food and nutrition
This Quality Standard outlines the food and nutrition obligations for residential aged care providers. Access to nutritionally adequate food is a human right. Food, drink, and the dining experience have an enormous impact on a person’s quality of life.
Fact Sheet for Standard 6
Standard 7: The residential community
This Quality Standard directs residential aged care providers to ensure community is central to the lives of aged care residents. Older people must feel safe, have opportunities to do meaningful things and keep connections with people while living in a residential community.
Fact Sheet for Standard 7