Your guide to the strengthened aged care quality standards

The Aged Care Quality Standards set clear expectations for how aged care should be delivered, with your needs, choices, and preferences at the centre. They are outlined and regulated by the Australian Government, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions when choosing an aged care provider.

The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

The Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened to improve the quality of care you receive. Below is an overview of the standards and what they mean for you. For more detailed information, please visit the Australian Government’s My Aged Care website.

1. The individual

• You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to live free from discrimination.
• You can make choices about your funded aged care services, and we are here to support you when you want or need it. Your identity, culture, and personal preferences are valued, and you have the right to live the life you choose.
• We take the time to understand who you are, what matters to you, and your rights, and we use this understanding to guide the way your funded aged care is delivered.
• You are given information in a way you can understand, and supported to maintain your independence.

2. The organisation

• Your funded aged care provider is well run, and your safety, comfort, and wellbeing is a priority.
• You are able to share your ideas and contribute to improvements in your care and services, and we will listen and respond to your feedback and concerns.
• Your care is provided by aged care workers who are knowledgeable, competent, capable, and caring.

3. The care and services

• The funded aged care services you receive are safe and effective.
• Your quality of life is optimised, including maximising your independence.
• The care and services meet your current needs, goals and preferences, and are well planned and coordinated.

4. The environment

• You feel safe when receiving funded aged care services.
• When you receive care in a service environment, it is clean, safe, and comfortable, allowing you to move around freely.
• Equipment is safe, appropriate, and well maintained, and precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infections.

5. Clinical care

• You receive person-centred, evidence-based, safe, effective, and coordinated clinical care from health professionals and competent aged care workers.
• Your care meets your changing needs and aligns with your goals and preferences.

6. Food and nutrition

• You receive plenty of food and drinks that you enjoy.
• Meals and drinks are nutritious, appetising, and safe, and meet your needs and preferences.
• The dining experience is enjoyable, offers variety, and helps you feel that you belong.

7. The residential community

• You are supported to do the things you enjoy and to maintain your relationships and connections with the wider community.
• You can be confident in the continuity of your care and the security of your accommodation.
  
  

Choosing an aged care provider is a major life decision, and the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards offer a helpful framework to guide your assessment. If you are looking for an aged care provider, check how they meet these benchmarks in day-to-day practice.

• The individual: Ask how residents make choices in their daily routines and care.
• The organisation: Ask how the provider monitors and improves care quality. 
• The care and services: Look for well-trained staff and safe clinical practices. 
• The environment: Notice if the environment feels safe, clean, and homely.
• Clinical care: Look for consistent, caring staff and ongoing training. 
• Food and nutrition: Ask about meals, activities, and how independence is supported.
• The residential community: Ask about the continuity of care and how residents are supported to do the things they want to do.
  

When the Aged Care Quality Standards are embedded into everyday practice – as they are at Ryman – residents and families feel heard, supported, and reassured. These standards aren’t just guidelines; they shape meaningful, person-centred care that builds trust and wellbeing.

For residents

By focusing on individualised support, the standards help ensure a better quality of life, where you can feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. They support autonomy, allowing you to make informed choices, live safely and comfortably, and maintain independence as you age.

For families

The standards promote open communication and encourage families to be involved in care decisions. They also hold providers accountable, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. With clear expectations in place, you can feel confident your loved one is receiving the safe, high-quality care they deserve.

With a strong focus on clinical excellence, person-centred care, and transparent governance, Ryman’s aged care centres in Australia have passed independent audits, demonstrating a consistent commitment to high-quality care.

At Ryman, we respect your individuality and choice – from how you decorate your room or apartment, to the food you like, to the activities you prefer. Listening to residents, families, and team members is a core part of our philosophy of continuous improvement.

Person-centred care

Ryman’s myRyman Care app enables real-time, individualised care planning. Our care staff are highly trained, with continued investment in training and development to ensure excellence in clinical and personal care. Robust procedures are in place for safe medication management and personal care, and activity programmes cater to many different interests and preferences.

Understanding the eight aged care standards is an important step when it comes to choosing the right care provider for you or a loved one.

Ryman has earned a reputation for consistently providing excellence in care. We strive to not just meet, but to exceed each standard, because we believe that older Australians deserve the very best in retirement living and care.

If you’re looking for aged care that exceeds expectations, click below to talk to our friendly team and discover how Ryman villages deliver on every standard.