From 1 November 2025, strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will come into effect as part of the new Aged Care Act. These strengthened standards represent a significant step forward in ensuring that older Australians receive safe, high-quality, person-centred care that truly respects their rights and dignity.

At Warrigal, we welcome these improvements to the sector and have been preparing to ensure we continue delivering the exceptional care our older people expect and deserve – care that aligns with our vision of creating a world where older people are known, loved, and connected.

What are the Quality Standards?

The Aged Care Quality Standards set the expectations for how aged care providers must deliver services. They create a shared understanding of what quality aged care looks like and ensure that providers are held accountable for meeting these expectations.

The strengthened standards are more measurable, detailed, and comprehensive than the current standards. They use clear language, remove duplication, and align with the new Statement of Rights, putting you firmly at the centre of your care.

What’s Changing?

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified key areas for improvement, including diversity, governance, food and nutrition, dementia care, and clinical care. In response, the strengthened Quality Standards have been streamlined from 8 to 7 standards, with two entirely new dedicated standards for clinical care and food and nutrition. These changes make the standards clearer, more focused, and better aligned with what matters most to you.

The 7 Strengthened Quality Standards are:

1. Dignity and Respect – You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, make decisions about your care, and live the life you choose
2. Governance and Management – Providers must have strong leadership and systems to deliver safe, quality care
3. Care and Services – Care and services are tailored to your individual needs and preferences
4. Environment – You receive care in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment
5. Clinical Care (New dedicated standard) – You receive safe, effective clinical care that meets your health needs
6. Food and Nutrition (New dedicated standard) – You receive nutritious, enjoyable food that meets your needs and preferences
7. Human Resources – Aged care workers have the right skills, knowledge, and support to provide quality care.

Key Improvements

• Dedicated Clinical Care Standard: For the first time, clinical care has its own dedicated standard (Standard 5). This strengthened focus ensures that your health needs – including medication management, wound care, pain management, falls prevention, and managing dementia—are prioritised and well-managed.
• Food and Nutrition Standard: Food and nutrition now has its own standard (Standard 6), recognising that mealtimes are not just about nutrition – they’re about enjoyment, social connection, and cultural identity. This standard ensures you receive plenty of food and drinks you enjoy in a dining experience that supports your wellbeing.
• Stronger Focus on Your Voice: The strengthened standards place your lived experience at the centre. Providers must actively listen to your feedback, involve you in decisions about your care, and respond to your concerns – reinforcing that your voice matters.
• Enhanced Diversity and Inclusion: The standards include stronger requirements to understand and respect diversity, including support for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and people living with dementia.
• Dignity of Risk: The standards recognise your right to make choices about how you live, even if those choices involve some risk. This honours your autonomy while ensuring appropriate support is available when needed.

What This Means for You

• Your rights are protected. The standards align with the Statement of Rights, ensuring your rights are upheld in every aspect of your care
• Your care is personalised. Services are tailored to your unique needs, preferences, culture, and identity
• Your voice is heard. Providers must listen to and act on your feedback, ensuring you’re involved in decisions about your care
• Your safety is prioritised. Stronger clinical care standards mean better health outcomes and protection from harm
• Your dining experience matters. Food and nutrition standards ensure enjoyable, culturally appropriate meals
• Your environment supports wellbeing. Clean, safe, comfortable spaces that enable you to move around freely and feel at home

Supporting You Through Change

At Warrigal, we understand that change can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way through these transitions. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions, explain how these changes affect your specific situation, and ensure you feel confident and informed about your rights.

These changes are designed to put you at the centre of your care, giving you more control, better protection, and stronger support than ever before. They represent a significant step forward in ensuring that every older Australian can live with dignity, respect, and choice.

Resources for More Information

Strengthened Quality Standards

• Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
• Strengthened Quality Standards Overview
• What’s Different in the Strengthened Quality Standards

Related Blog Posts in This Series

• Statement of Rights
• Registered Supporters
• Complaints and Feedback

More About the New Aged Care Act

• About the new rights-based Aged Care Act
• My Aged Care – Setting the Standard for Quality Aged Care

Accessible Information

Information about the strengthened Quality Standards is available in multiple formats to ensure everyone can access this important information:

• Plain English fact sheets and guides
• Easy Read versions with simple language and visual aids
• Multiple languages and interpreter services
• Videos and visual resources

For accessible resources or assistance understanding the strengthened Quality Standards, please contact us on 1800 927 744.

Contact Warrigal

• Phone: 1800 927 744
• Email: warrigal@warrigal.com.au
• Visit: warrigal.com.au