Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards are part of a package of reforms that commenced on 1 November 2025. There are seven new standards, but only these five apply to home care:

• The individual
• The organisation
• The Care and Services
• The Environment
• Clinical Care

The strengthened Quality Standards are promising a more person-centred and inclusive approach for older Australians in the way their care is delivered, and are designed to place older people firmly at the heart of their care experience, respecting their dignity, preferences, and individuality.

A key focus is on empowering individuals, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that affect their daily lives and well-being. This means all providers must actively seek input from participants and tailor services to suit personal needs and wishes, and promote a genuine sense of autonomy and respect.

On a practical level, you can expect to see more targeted supports for

participants living with dementia, and a focus on understanding a person’s cultural, linguistic, and lifestyle diversity. All of this means improving access for support workers and other staff to specialised training and resources to ensure they deliver sensitive and responsive care.

For us, as your registered provider, we are deeply committed to enhancing your well-being and health, and importantly, supporting you to exercise the dignity of risk to achieve your goals and maintain independence and quality of life.

Our ongoing assessments reflect our intention to get to know you and your care needs better and to tailor your services to meet your individual needs. You can find out more about the Strengthened Quality Standards by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or ask us to send you some fact sheets.