As people age, their needs, preferences, and circumstances change. To ensure that older Australians continue to live with dignity, respect, and quality of life, the Aged Care Quality Standards were introduced by the Australian Government in July 2019. These eight standards set the benchmark for all aged care services subsidised by the government—whether provided in residential care, home care, or flexible care arrangements. They ensure that aged care providers focus on person-centred care, accountability, and continuous improvement. Each standard outlines expectations for both providers and consumers, helping safeguard the wellbeing of older people receiving care. Below, we dive deep into each of the 8 standards and what they mean for consumers and providers.

Why Aged Care Standards Matter?

The Aged Care Quality Standards are not just checkboxes—they are the foundation of a safe, respectful, and effective aged care system. Here’s why they matter:

  • Protect consumer rights: They ensure that older individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

  • Promote quality and consistency: They set a nationwide benchmark for the delivery of aged care services.

  • Encourage accountability: Providers are required to meet these standards or risk non-compliance, penalties, or funding cuts.

  • Empower consumers and families: Knowing what to expect helps people make informed choices and speak up if standards are not met.

  • Support continuous improvement: The standards encourage providers to regularly review and improve their services.

Ultimately, these standards exist to elevate care quality, reduce harm, and foster trust in the aged care system.

Who Monitors the Aged Care Quality Standards?

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) is the independent regulator responsible for monitoring, assessing, and enforcing compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards in Australia.

Key Roles of the Commission:

  • Conducting audits and site visits to assess service providers.

  • Handling complaints about aged care services.

  • Issuing compliance notices, sanctions, or revoking approvals for providers who fail to meet standards.

  • Providing education, guidance, and support to both providers and consumers.

Assessment Process:

  • Services are reviewed through self-assessment reports, consumer feedback, and unannounced visits.

  • Providers must demonstrate that their practices, staffing, environments, and outcomes align with the 8 standards.

  • Results are published publicly to ensure transparency and allow consumers to compare providers.

By holding providers accountable, the ACQSC helps protect the well-being of older Australians and uphold the integrity of the aged care sector.

What Are the Aged Care Standards?

The Aged Care Standards, officially known as the Aged Care Quality Standards, are a set of eight nationally legislated guidelines established by the Australian Government to ensure all aged care recipients receive safe, respectful, and high-quality care and services.

Standard 1: Consumer Dignity and Choice

What It Means:

This standard is the foundation of the aged care system. It emphasises that every person has inherent value and the right to make choices about their care and lifestyle.

Key Requirements:

  • Consumers are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
  • They are actively involved in decision-making regarding their care.
  • Their identity, culture, and diversity are acknowledged and respected.
  • Consumers feel they can take risks and express themselves without fear of judgment.

Practical Examples:

  • Allowing a resident to choose when they wake up or what meals they prefer.
  • Respecting cultural or religious dietary requirements.
  • Enabling consumers to take part in community events or maintain personal relationships.

Why It Matters:

Respect for personal dignity and choice builds trust and promotes a sense of self-worth and autonomy in older individuals, which are vital for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Standard 2: Ongoing Assessment and Planning with Consumers

What It Means:

This standard ensures that aged care services are tailored to meet the evolving needs of each individual through continual assessment and planning.

Key Requirements:

  • Consumers are partners in planning their care.
  • Assessments cover physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
  • Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing needs and goals.
  • Plans are shared and transparent, giving consumers access and control over their care documents.

Practical Examples:

  • Conducting a review if someone’s mobility changes.
  • Updating a care plan if a person develops dementia or a chronic condition.
  • Involving family or advocates in planning discussions when needed.

Why It Matters:

Without proper assessment and planning, care may become irrelevant, ineffective, or even harmful. This standard ensures care remains relevant, responsive, and respectful of individual circumstances.

Standard 3: Personal Care and Clinical Care

What It Means:

This standard ensures that consumers receive safe, effective, and person-centred clinical care and personal care based on best practice.

Key Requirements:

  • High standards of care are maintained for clinical services, such as wound care, pain management, and medication.
  • Personal care includes assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility, and toileting.
  • Providers manage risks, incidents, and health deterioration efficiently.
  • Care is provided by trained and competent staff using evidence-based approaches.

Practical Examples:

  • Regular skin checks to prevent pressure sores.
  • Timely medication administration with monitoring for side effects.
  • Coordinated care for individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Why It Matters:

High-quality personal and clinical care supports health, safety, comfort, and independence, preventing complications and promoting confidence in the care system.

Standard 4: Services and Supports for Daily Living

What It Means:

This standard focuses on delivering holistic support that enables consumers to live full and meaningful lives.

Key Requirements:

  • Support is tailored to individual preferences, capabilities, and goals.
  • Services cover everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and transport.
  • Consumers are supported to participate in social, cultural, and recreational activities.
  • Providers promote well-being, reablement, and independence.
Practical Examples:
  • Helping someone attend a community art class or religious service.
  • Offering modified utensils for easier eating.
  • Providing social activities like music sessions, gardening, or pet therapy.

Why It Matters:

Life is about more than clinical care. Engaging in daily routines and social life improves mental health, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.

Standard 5: Organisation’s Service Environment

What It Means:

This standard ensures the physical environment in which care is delivered is safe, clean, and comfortable, and supports consumers to feel at home.

Key Requirements:

  • The environment promotes independence, function, and comfort.
  • Facilities are well-maintained and accessible.
  • Safety is prioritised without making consumers feel restricted.
  • The atmosphere should foster a sense of belonging and community.

Practical Examples:

  • Installing grab rails, ramps, and non-slip flooring.
  • Creating private, home-like rooms with personal decorations.
  • Providing outdoor areas for relaxation and socialising.

Why It Matters:

A well-designed and welcoming environment enhances emotional security, reduces confusion (especially for people with dementia), and promotes autonomy.

Standard 6: Feedback and Complaints

What It Means:

This standard ensures that consumers feel safe, supported, and encouraged to give feedback or make complaints—and that these are addressed in a timely and fair way.

Key Requirements:

  • Clear and accessible feedback channels must be in place.
  • Consumers and families should feel comfortable raising concerns.
  • All feedback is used as an opportunity for learning and improvement.
  • Providers ensure transparency and responsiveness.

Practical Examples:

  • Offering anonymous suggestion boxes or regular surveys.
  • Ensuring staff respond respectfully and promptly to complaints.
  • Using feedback to improve meal options or service times.

Why It Matters:

A strong feedback system fosters trust, openness, and continuous improvement, ensuring that issues don’t go unaddressed.

Standard 7: Human Resources

What It Means:

This standard ensures that the aged care workforce is qualified, skilled, and well-supported to deliver safe and respectful care.

Key Requirements:

  • Staff have the right qualifications and experience.
  • Ongoing training and development is provided.
  • Staffing levels meet the needs and preferences of consumers.
  • Staff demonstrate values such as compassion, respect, and integrity.

Practical Examples:

  • Providing dementia care training to all team members.
  • Regular performance reviews and skills assessments.
  • Employing multilingual staff to support diverse communities.

Why It Matters:

Quality of care is directly linked to the competence, attitude, and support of staff. A well-trained workforce ensures safe, empathetic, and consistent care.

Standard 8: Organisational Governance

What It Means:

This final standard ensures that aged care providers have strong leadership, clear policies, accountability, and effective risk management systems in place.

Key Requirements:

  • Effective governance structures are in place, including boards or leadership teams.
  • Providers monitor quality, safety, and consumer outcomes.
  • Risks are identified and managed proactively.
  • Systems are in place for continuous improvement.

Practical Examples:

  • Conducting regular audits and quality reviews.
  • Creating clear escalation procedures for incidents.
  • Tracking complaints and resolutions over time for analysis.

Why It Matters:

Strong governance is essential for maintaining high standards, minimising risk, and delivering consistent, trustworthy care.

Conclusion

The Aged Care Quality Standards exist to ensure that every older Australian receiving government-funded aged care services receives respectful, high-quality, and safe care. They promote a shift from a one-size-fits-all model to a consumer-driven and outcome-focused approach. Whether you’re a family member, caregiver, or provider, understanding these standards empowers you to advocate for better care, evaluate service quality, and make informed decisions.

At Ambition Health Group, we are committed to upholding these standards in every aspect of our aged care services. Our approach is built around the individual—respecting personal choices, supporting independence, and delivering care that truly makes a difference.