Changes to the Aged Care Quality Standards 2025
The Aged Care Quality Standards are being strengthened as part of the proposed new Aged Care Act and regulatory model. The changes are expected 1 July 2025.
The final draft of the strengthened Quality Standards aligns to seven key standards:
Standard 1: The Person
Standard 2: The Organisation
Standard 3: The Care and Services
Standard 4: The Environment
Standard 5: Clinical Care
Standard 6: Food and Nutrition
Standard 7: The Residential Community
Each strengthened Quality Standard includes:
INTENT --> EXPECTATION --> OUTCOME --> ACTIONS
What’s different?
The strengthened Quality Standards have been streamlined from 8 to 7 Standards, with:
13% of the expectations being new
63% clarifying current expectations
24% aligning to current Quality Standards.
The strengthened Quality Standards:
Are more robust and detailed
Place older people at the centre of their care
Increase protections for older people
Support people living with dementia
Better include people from diverse backgrounds
Provide stronger requirements for clinical care and food and nutrition
Use clear language and minimise duplication
Reflect the new Statement of Rights, which will be included in the new Aged Care Act.
How does it affect us?
The new Aged Care Act will be supported by the new aged care regulatory model. This model will require all providers to be registered into a registration category depending on the services they deliver.
Providers will need to meet obligations associated with their registration category. These obligations will help providers to deliver safe, quality and accessible care for older people.
You can find guidance resources under ACQSC, which helps aged care providers and workers prepare for the strengthened Quality Standards.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to FiveSeven at solve@fiveseven.com.au for further assistance with ensuring your workplace adheres and conforms to the strengthened Quality Standards 😊
