Understanding the Aged Care Quality Standards: What Families Need to Know
When it comes to selecting the right home care provider in Melbourne, families want more than compassion—they want compliance, quality, and accountability. That’s where the Aged Care Quality Standards come in.
Whether your loved one is receiving support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP), understanding these government-mandated Standards is essential for making informed decisions.
At Circle Home Care, we’re committed to delivering high-quality aged care services that not only meet but exceed these Standards—right across Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
What Are the Aged Care Quality Standards?
The Aged Care Quality Standards are set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and apply to all government-funded aged care providers in Australia.
Introduced in July 2019, the Standards replaced a fragmented system with a single, consumer-focused framework. They apply to a wide range of aged care services—including residential care, home care, short-term restorative care, and flexible care models.
These eight Standards form the legal foundation for care delivery under the Aged Care Act 1997, ensuring that aged care recipients are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, regardless of their background, health status, or location.
The 8 Aged Care Quality Standards Explained
Here’s what each Standard means for Melbourne families choosing aged care at home:
Consumer Dignity and Choice
Older people have the right to make choices about their care. Providers must support autonomy and respect individual preferences.Ongoing Assessment and Planning with Consumers
Aged care services must be tailored and regularly reviewed with the client’s input.Personal and Clinical Care
All clinical care—such as medication management or wound care—must be safe, evidence-based, and suited to the client’s unique needs.Services and Supports for Daily Living
Providers must help clients maintain independence, mobility, nutrition, and social connection in their day-to-day lives.Organisation’s Service Environment
Even in a home setting, the provider must ensure services are delivered in a safe, comfortable and respectful environment.Feedback and Complaints
Clients and their families must have access to simple, confidential processes to give feedback or raise concerns—without fear of repercussions.Human Resources
Staff must be qualified, skilled, and supported to deliver respectful, person-centred care. Training and supervision are non-negotiable.Organisational Governance
Providers must have strong leadership, risk management processes, and a culture of continuous improvement.
You can view the complete Standards on the Commission’s website:
👉 Read the Aged Care Quality Standards
Why the Standards Matter for Families in Melbourne
Choosing an aged care provider in Melbourne isn’t just about finding someone to assist with daily tasks—it’s about trusting an organisation with your loved one’s health, safety, and well-being.
These Standards allow families to:
Compare providers on a level playing field
Ask the right questions during service discussions
Identify red flags in care delivery or governance
Feel confident about aged care compliance in Australia
For those living in Melbourne’s multicultural inner suburbs, the Standards also reinforce cultural sensitivity and inclusivity as a baseline expectation—not an added extra.
How Circle Home Care Upholds the Standards
At Circle Home Care, compliance is embedded into our DNA. Here’s how we operationalise the Aged Care Quality Standards every day:
🟢 Tailored Care Planning
Every client receives an individualised care plan that aligns with their goals, health needs, and preferences—and is reviewed quarterly or sooner if their needs change.
🟢 Qualified, Compassionate Staff
Our care team is trained in clinical care, aged care legislation, and cultural safety, and undergoes regular competency assessments to ensure ongoing compliance.
🟢 Robust Governance Framework
Our business is governed by a documented clinical governance policy, internal audit tools, incident reporting systems, and a risk register—ensuring transparency and accountability.
🟢 Open Communication & Feedback Culture
We actively encourage feedback through surveys, open discussions, and a formal complaints process aligned with Standard 6.
Questions You Should Ask a Home Care Provider
When interviewing potential providers, use the Standards to guide your evaluation. Key questions include:
How does your organisation meet each of the eight Aged Care Quality Standards?
What systems are in place for care reviews and client feedback?
Can I view your last compliance audit?
How are staff trained in cultural competency, infection control, and aged care legislation?
If a provider can’t clearly answer these questions—walk away.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Aged Care Quality Standards is essential for any family navigating Australia’s home care system. These Standards give you the tools to demand better and hold providers to account.
At Circle Home Care, we don’t view these Standards as regulatory hurdles—we see them as the baseline of what your loved one deserves.
Whether you’re new to home care or reassessing your current provider, we’re here to guide you through every step—with transparency, compliance, and compassion.
Want to Learn More?
Get in touch with our team at Circle Home Care to find out how we meet and exceed the Aged Care Quality Standards in everything we do.