Important update: Introduction to the new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
The Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened and updated, effective from 1 November 2025. The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, introduced under the Aged Care Act 2024, provide a clearer and more measurable framework for delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred aged care. The Standards have been streamlined from eight standards to seven and place a stronger focus on the rights, dignity, choice, diversity, and wellbeing of older people.
The seven Standards are:
- The Individual – Supporting dignity, autonomy, rights, and person-centred car
- The Organisation – Governance, leadership, quality systems, and accountability
- The Care and Services – Safe, effective, and individualised care and service delivery
- The Environment – Safe, accessible, and supportive physical environments
- Clinical Care – High-quality clinical assessment, planning, and care
- Food and Nutrition – Choice, quality, enjoyment, and nutritional wellbeing.
- The Residential Community – Supporting connection, belonging, and quality of life in residential care settings
Key changes from the previous Quality Standards include dedicated standards for Clinical Care and Food and Nutrition, along with strengthened requirements for governance, partnering with older people, dementia care, and person-centred service delivery.
For more information on how the Aged Care Standards have changed, please visit: What’s different in the strengthened Quality Standards | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
A Guide for Aged Care Workers and Nurses.
This online course developed by Primary Health Tasmania is designed to equip aged care nurses and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognise signs of deterioration in older individuals.
Each module will guide either workers or clinical staff in how their role contributes to managing the health of aged care residents.
Learning Outcomes for nurses:
- Review the unique characteristics of the older population.
- Understand common geriatric syndromes
- Explore comprehensive geriatric assessment
- Understand the psychosocial aspects of assessment
- Promote interprofessional collaboration
- Understand and effectively use Primary Health Tasmania tools
Learning outcomes for aged care workers:
- Reinforce legal and ethical considerations
- Understand the signs and symptoms of deterioration
- Apply collaborative communication skills with clinical staff
- Understand documentation and reporting procedures
Upon finishing the module, you will be directed to complete a course evaluation. You will then receive a Certificate of Completion to provide to your employer and/or CPD provider.