Understanding the 7 Aged Care Quality Standards

What are the 7 Standards in Aged Care?

The Aged Care Quality Standards are a comprehensive set of requirements that all government-funded aged care providers in Australia must meet. These standards are in place to safeguard your safety, health, and wellbeing, and are regulated by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Strengthened in response to findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the current 7 standards provide a framework for person-centred, accountable, and high-quality care. They are designed so you know what to expect and can trust that your provider is meeting their obligations.

The 7 Aged Care Quality Standards are:

1. The individual – Your preferences, values, and goals are central to all decisions about your care and services.
2. The organisation – Providers demonstrate effective leadership, robust governance, and a commitment to quality across every aspect of care.
3. The care and services – You receive reliable, timely, and responsive care and support that meets your assessed needs.
4. The environment – Care and services are delivered in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment that promotes your independence and dignity.
5. Clinical care – Your health needs are managed by qualified professionals, ensuring clinical care is safe and of high quality.
6. Food and nutrition – Meals and nutrition are appropriate for your individual needs and preferences, supporting overall health and wellbeing.
7. The residential community – For people in residential care, community connections and social relationships are nurtured, supporting a sense of belonging and engagement.

Please note: If you are searching for “What are the 8 Standards in aged care,” these were the previous set of standards used in Australia. In November 2025, the sector transitioned to the current 7 Aged Care Quality Standards. This change reflects the government’s focus on delivering safer, more effective, and person-centred care for all older Australians.

How the Standards Improve Your Care Experience

The 7 Aged Care Quality Standards ensure you receive safe, respectful, and high-quality care, no matter where you live or what services you use. These standards are designed so you can confidently expect:

• To be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
• To participate as an equal partner in planning and reviewing your care.
• To have care tailored to your personal health, wellbeing, and lifestyle needs.
• To feel safe in offering feedback and making complaints.
• To trust that your provider is committed to continuous quality improvement.

What to Do If Care Doesn’t Meet the Standards

If you are concerned that your provider is not meeting the Quality Standards, your feedback is valuable and can lead to positive changes.

1. Talk to your provider first: Often, concerns can be resolved quickly by speaking directly with your care provider, who is required to have a transparent complaints process.
2. Contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission: If the issue remains unresolved, or if you prefer, you can contact the Commission directly. You may do this anonymously or openly by calling 1800 951 822.
3. Seek advocacy support: The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) offers free, confidential support to help you understand your rights and options when raising any issues.

Why are the 7 Standards important for home care?

These Standards provide consistency and quality across all aged care providers. For individuals receiving home care, the Standards ensure that services are tailored, safe and delivered with respect.

At Homecare My Way, we’re committed to meeting and exceeding these Standards with our care management options. We believe in empowering individuals to live independently and comfortably in their own homes, with care that’s built around their unique needs and preferences.

How to ensure your provider meets the Standards

Choosing the right care provider is crucial. Here are some practical tips to ensure they’re meeting the Standards:

• Ask questions — How do they involve you in care planning? What’s their process for handling complaints?
• Review staff qualifications — Are their carers trained and experienced?
• Check accreditation — Ensure the provider is fully accredited and has good reviews.

At Homecare My Way, we’re transparent about our processes and dedicated to delivering top-quality care. Contact us to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one.

Homecare My Way’s Commitment to Quality

Knowing what the 7 Standards in aged care (previously 8 standards in aged care) are empowers you to ensure the services you receive are reliable, personalised and truly supportive of your needs. After all, these Standards are more than just guidelines — they should be a promise of quality, respect and safety for all individuals in aged care.

If you’re looking for a Support at Home provider that prioritises these Standards, look no further than Homecare My Way. We’re here to help you navigate self-managed aged care with confidence and peace of mind. Reach out today to see how we can make a difference in your life.