Dementia Care Policy Template for Aged Care Facilities
Dementia affects approximately two-thirds of people living in Australian residential aged care. A clear, well-structured dementia care policy ensures your team delivers consistent, person-centred care while meeting your obligations under the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
This free dementia care policy template is written in plain English, ready to customise, and directly aligned to the 2024 strengthened standards — including Standard 1 (The Person) and Standard 5 (Clinical Care).
Why a Dementia Care Policy Is Essential for Your Facility
Without a formal policy, staff may apply inconsistent approaches to dementia care, behaviour support, and communication — increasing clinical risk and regulatory exposure. A documented dementia care policy:
- Sets clear expectations for all staff interacting with residents living with dementia
- Supports consistent, evidence-based care delivery across every shift
- Provides the foundation for staff training and annual competency assessments
- Demonstrates compliance during Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission audits
- Reduces the likelihood of unplanned restrictive practice use
What the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards Require
The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (effective 1 July 2024) place specific obligations on providers to deliver care that is responsive to the cognitive and emotional needs of each resident. Key requirements include:
- Standard 1 – The Person: Care must reflect each resident's identity, values, and preferences — critical when cognitive impairment affects a person's ability to self-advocate.
- Standard 5 – Clinical Care: Providers must assess and manage dementia-related behaviours using evidence-based approaches, including behaviour support planning and minimisation of restrictive practices.
- Standard 2 – The Organisation's Governance: Governance systems must demonstrate that policies are implemented, monitored, and regularly reviewed.
What This Dementia Care Policy Template Includes
- Purpose and scope statement
- Policy commitments to person-centred dementia care
- Definitions (dementia types, BPSD, person-centred care, restrictive practices)
- Procedures for cognitive assessment on admission and ongoing review
- Care planning requirements including biography and communication preferences
- Behaviour support guidelines using the ABC framework
- Environmental modification guidance
- Staff training and competency requirements
- Roles and responsibilities matrix (DON, RN, PCA, Quality Manager)
- Legislation and standards references (Aged Care Act, Strengthened ACQS)
- Review, approval, and version control section
Who Should Use This Template
- Directors of Nursing and Clinical Managers developing or updating their policy library
- Compliance Officers preparing for ACQSC audits
- Quality Managers conducting annual policy reviews
- New aged care providers building their documentation suite from scratch
How to Customise This Template
Download the Word document and update all highlighted fields with your facility name, logo, version number, and the names of staff responsible for review and approval. Review each procedure section against your facility's staffing model, resident cohort, and existing care systems. We recommend clinical review by your Director of Nursing before the policy is formally published.
Download the Free Dementia Care Policy Template
Instant access. No credit card required. Editable Word document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this template aligned to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards?
Yes. This template references the Strengthened ACQS (effective 1 July 2024) and the Aged Care Act 1997. Clinical review by your governance team is still recommended before formal adoption.
How often should a dementia care policy be reviewed?
Best practice is annual review, or earlier when there is a change in legislation, standards, or your resident population profile.
Does this template cover restrictive practices?
This template includes guidance on behaviour support and restrictive practice minimisation. For full detail, use it alongside Governa's free Restrictive Practices Policy Template.
