Who regulates aged care in Australia?

Navigating the aged care system in Australia can feel confusing, and overwhelming. It may leave you wondering, who oversees it all? The answer is the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and learning more about how it works can shed much-needed light on the industry.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is an independent statutory body tasked with monitoring and regulating aged care – including 24-hour nursing care facilities – across the country.

This national body plays a critical role in ensuring Australians receiving aged care, whether at home or in a residential aged care facility, experience a high standard of care.

They do this by…

• Setting standards: The Commission establishes the Aged Care Quality Standards, which outline the benchmarks for quality care across eight key areas. These standards are not mere suggestions; they are requirements all government-funded aged care facilities and providers must meet.
• Assessing providers: The Commission assesses aged care providers to determine if they are meeting the Quality Standards. They don’t just rely on paperwork – assessors visit aged care services and talk with residents about their experiences.
• Monitoring performance: The Commission monitors providers to ensure they’re continually upholding the standards. This ongoing oversight helps ensure that any dips in the quality of care are identified and addressed promptly.
• Managing Complaints: The Commission also acts as a point of contact for complaints about aged care services. If a concern cannot be resolved with the provider directly, individuals can contact the Commission for assistance.
• Enforcement: For providers failing to meet the standards, the Commission has the authority to act, which can include sanctions and even revoking a provider’s approval to operate. This ensures accountability within the sector.

The aged care quality standards

The quality standards – which range from consumer dignity and choice to organisational governance – are at the heart of the Commission’s work. Put simply, they define what good care looks like in Australia. If you would like to know more about the aged care system and how it is overseen, these eight quality standards are a great place to start. 

Finding a quality aged care home

When searching for aged care accommodation, information about a facility’s performance against the Quality Standards can be an invaluable tool. The ‘Find a provider’ tool allows you to compare homes based on their My Aged Care assessment against the Standards.

Remember Your Rights

It’s essential to understand that everyone receiving aged care in Australia has rights protected by a Charter of Aged Care Rights. This charter emphasises dignity, respect, and choice in receiving care.

Aged care facilities and respite care services are there to support older Australians. Understanding who regulates them, how their quality is monitored, and your rights are crucial steps in navigating the aged care system confidently.