Understanding the 8 Aged Care Quality Standards
Providing safe, high-quality care that respects the individuality and preferences of older Australians is the cornerstone of aged care in Australia. To support this, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission established the Aged Care Quality Standards, a set of eight essential benchmarks that all government-funded aged care providers must meet.
These standards ensure that care is not only clinically sound but also deeply personal and respectful. Here’s a closer look at what each standard entails and how they shape the delivery of exceptional aged care services across the country.
Standard 1: Consumer Dignity and Choice
“I am treated with dignity and respect, and can maintain my identity. I can make informed choices about my care and services, and live the life I choose.”
This standard underpins the entire aged care framework. It promotes a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity. Providers must demonstrate that they support each individual’s identity, background, and choices, fostering a safe and culturally sensitive environment where care is genuinely consumer-centred.
Standard 2: Ongoing Assessment and Planning with Consumers
“I am a partner in ongoing assessment and planning that helps me get the care and services I need for my health and well-being.”
Care plans should be dynamic and reflect the evolving needs, goals, and preferences of each consumer. This standard emphasises collaboration, requiring aged care services to actively engage consumers in assessment and planning to ensure care remains relevant and responsive.
Standard 3: Personal and Clinical Care
“I get personal care, clinical care, or both personal care and clinical care, that is safe and right for me.”
Quality aged care is holistic, taking into account both personal preferences and clinical needs. Standard 3 ensures that every aspect of care—whether medical, physical, or emotional—is delivered safely, effectively, and in alignment with the individual’s needs.
Standard 4: Services and Supports for Daily Living
“I get the services and supports for daily living that are important for my health and well-being and that enable me to do the things I want to do.”
Daily living support is essential for wellbeing. This includes assistance with meals, mobility, social engagement, and recreational activities—anything that helps maintain a consumer’s independence, routines, and connection with the community.
Standard 5: Service Environment
“I feel I belong and I am safe and comfortable in the organisation’s service environment.”
An aged care facility should feel like home. This standard requires environments to be safe, clean, accessible, and welcoming—supporting both physical mobility and emotional wellbeing, and allowing consumers to move about freely and feel a sense of belonging.
Standard 6: Feedback and Complaints
“I feel safe and am encouraged and supported to give feedback and make complaints. I am engaged in processes to address my feedback and complaints, and appropriate action is taken.”
Open communication is critical. Providers must establish systems that allow consumers and their families to express feedback and concerns confidently. More importantly, they must demonstrate how this feedback is used to make meaningful improvements.
Standard 7: Human Resources
“I get quality care and services when I need them from people who are knowledgeable, capable and caring.”
The quality of care is only as strong as the people who deliver it. Standard 7 ensures that staff are skilled, compassionate, and supported in their roles, helping to maintain high standards of care through proper training, leadership, and staffing structures.
Standard 8: Organisational Governance
“I am confident the organisation is well run. I can partner in improving the delivery of care and services.”
Strong leadership and clear governance are essential to ensure aged care organisations remain accountable and responsive. Providers must implement robust systems that continuously evaluate and improve all aspects of service delivery.
The Upcoming Aged Care Act – What’s Changing?
In response to the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, a new Aged Care Act is set to be introduced in July 2025. The reforms aim to strengthen the existing standards with clearer guidance around key areas such as:
- Food, nutrition, and mealtime experience
- Dementia care and specialised support
- Diversity and cultural safety
- Clinical governance and risk
- Consumer participation in care
Until the new Act comes into effect, the current eight Quality Standards remain in place.
Want to Join the Aged Care Workforce?
If you’re inspired to make a difference in the lives of older Australians, there’s never been a better time to join the aged care sector. At AJN Healthcare, our industry experts can help guide you on your journey—whether you’re a nurse, carer, facility manager, or allied health professional.
Reach out today to learn more about aged care opportunities or to ensure your organisation is meeting the highest standards of care.
