You deserve safe, quality care.
Aged care providers must work towards delivering safe, quality care.
All government-funded aged care providers in Australia must comply with requirements, meet standards, innovate and continually improve the services they deliver.
The government monitors providers to help them understand what’s working well and what they need to improve.
On this page
Complying with requirements
So that you get the standard of care you deserve, aged care providers must comply with requirements such as financial reporting, the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and their obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing oversees aged care to make sure people can access the care and support they need.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (Commission) and department make sure that aged care providers comply with their requirements and obligations, and that you get the care you deserve.
Government-funded aged care providers must be registered with the Commission. Registration helps protect you by making sure only suitable providers deliver aged care.
Learn more about aged care regulation and governance.
Setting the standard for quality care
The strengthened Quality Standards define what quality care looks like, supporting you to live your best life.
Aged care providers are expected to meet, and are assessed against, the strengthened Quality Standards.
Learn more about the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Improving food and nutrition
Food, drink and the dining experience have a big effect on health and quality of life. Aged care providers must ensure that meals are tasty and nutritious and that older people have choice and variety.
Aged care providers can access training and support to help them improve their meals.
Residential aged care providers are assessed against the strengthened Quality Standards. In-home aged care providers must also meet requirements.
Providers must also report on their food preparation and spending. You can see how much providers spend on food in the Find a provider tool.
Measuring and understanding care quality in aged care homes
Aged care homes have additional reporting requirements and measures in place that help them understand what’s working well and where they may need to improve.
My choices, my decisions, my aged care – Stories
These videos explain how older people are empowered to make their own decisions, and if they want to, seek guidance from registered supporters, Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and others. It also highlights how aged care providers must listen to their needs and concerns.
BJ’s story
Betty Jean – who prefers to be called BJ – is a former educator, journalist, and has done ‘a million things’. BJ has been living in an aged care home for the past 8 years.
When aged care providers are committed to listening, addressing concerns and involving older people in decisions about their care, lives like BJ’s are what’s possible.
Rosemary’s story
Rosemary, 86, describes herself as a bit eccentric and a bit of a shopaholic. Rosemary moved into an aged care home when she needed more physical and emotional support.
When care is built around dignity, respect and independence, people like Rosemary can keep living well.