The 7 Aged Care Standards, also known as the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, are the official national benchmarks for all government-funded aged care services in Australia. These standards define the level of care and service that an older person, their family, and their representatives can expect.
These standards apply to all forms of aged care, including residential nursing homes, home care packages, short-term restorative care, and other flexible care programs. They are a binding part of the legislation that all aged care providers must meet to maintain their funding and accreditation.
The 7 Standards were developed as a direct result of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. They replace the previous set of eight standards with a framework that is more detailed, measurable, and focused on the individual needs and preferences of the person receiving care. This new set of rules is designed to increase accountability for providers and improve safety and well-being for all older Australians.
The standards are enforced by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, which regularly assesses and monitors providers against each requirement.
The Shift from 8 to 7 Standards
For many years, the industry was governed by a set of eight standards. The new 7 Aged Care Standards are not just a simple re-numbering; they represent a significant change in philosophy.
The previous eight standards were:
- Consumer Dignity and Choice
- Ongoing Assessment and Planning
- Personal Care and Clinical Care
- Services and Supports for Daily Living1
- Organisation’s Service Environment
- Feedback and Complaints
- Human Resources
- Organisational Governance
The new 7 Standards consolidate some of these ideas but also introduce new, specific requirements based on the Royal Commission's findings. For example, "Food and Nutrition" is now its own standard, reflecting the serious attention given to this area. The new framework is intended to be clearer for providers to implement and for the public to understand.
A Breakdown of the 7 Aged Care Standards
Each of the standards is built around a central concept and contains specific requirements that providers must demonstrate.
Standard 1: The Individual
This standard places the person at the center of all planning and delivery. It asserts that each person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to maintain their identity, and to make their own decisions about their care and life. It requires providers to support a person's culture, diversity, and right to take reasonable risks.2
Standard 2: The Organisation
This standard covers the governance and leadership of the aged care provider. It demands that the organisation is well-run, accountable, and transparent. This includes managing high-impact risks, handling finances responsibly, and ensuring a culture of safety and inclusion is present throughout the workforce.
Standard 3: The Care and Services
This standard outlines the expectations for the delivery of all care and services. It requires providers to work in partnership with the older person to plan and deliver support that meets their needs, goals, and preferences. This includes personal care, support for daily living, and other services that help a person maintain their independence and connections.
Standard 4: The Environment
For residential facilities, this standard dictates that the physical environment must be safe, comfortable, and promote a sense of belonging. It should be easy to move around in, clean, and well-maintained. It also requires the provider to offer sufficient and appropriate equipment to support care needs.
Standard 5: Clinical Care
This is a highly specific standard that details the requirements for all medical and clinical support. It states that clinical care must be person-centered, evidence-based, and safe. It covers key areas like medication management, skin integrity, continence care, and the management of chronic conditions, with a strong focus on preventing harm.
Standard 6: Food and Nutrition
Reflecting its importance to health and well-being, this standard mandates that older people receive good quality food and drinks. Meals must be nutritious, appealing, and cater to individual dietary needs and preferences.3 It also requires that the dining experience itself is enjoyable and offers choice.
Standard 7: The Residential Community
This standard applies to residential aged care and focuses on the social and emotional aspect of living in a facility. It requires providers to support residents in maintaining their relationships and participating in activities that are meaningful to them. The goal is to create a sense of community, belonging, and purpose.
How Are the Standards Assessed?
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the government body responsible for checking that providers are meeting the 7 Standards. They use several methods to do this:
- Audits and Site Visits: Assessors conduct regular, unannounced visits to aged care homes to observe care, talk to residents and staff, and review documentation.
- Performance Reports: The Commission publishes reports on its findings, which are available to the public.
- Star Ratings: Residential aged care homes receive a Star Rating (from 1 to 5 stars) based on their performance against the standards, as well as other measures like staffing levels and resident feedback.
- Complaint Handling: The Commission also investigates complaints from the public, which can trigger an assessment or compliance action.
When a provider fails to meet one or more of the standards, the Commission has the power to issue sanctions or directions to force improvement, making these 7 Standards the main tool for accountability in the sector.
