At the Ageing Australia National Conference this month, one topic came up in almost every conversation: readiness for the new Aged Care Quality Standards. Providers weren’t asking what’s changing, but rather how we can prove we’re ready?
The strengthened Standards mark a major shift for aged care providers across Australia. They put greater focus on outcomes that matter to older people – wellbeing, inclusion, connection and quality of life. They also lift expectations around evidence. It is no longer enough to say care is person-centred; providers must be able to show and measure it.
Readiness starts with systems, not slogans
Being ready for the new Standards is about more than rewriting policies or updating training. It is about having connected systems that capture data, track experience and show evidence across every part of the resident journey.
1. Feedback that goes beyond surveys
Readiness begins with hearing the resident voice in meaningful and consistent ways. Instead of relying on one-off satisfaction surveys, providers need continuous feedback systems that capture real moments of care, track trends and identify issues before they escalate.
2. Wellbeing and engagement data that connects
The new Standards place wellbeing and quality of life at the centre of care outcomes. Providers need a way to demonstrate how residents are participating, connecting and thriving. Digital tools such as CarePage’s ARI module make this easier by tracking engagement, preferences and outcomes in one place, giving teams a live view of resident experience.
3. Evidence of improvement
Every provider can list improvement activities, but the strongest organisations can show how feedback and experience data drive them. Linking resident insights directly to improvement plans demonstrates a culture of accountability and continuous quality.
“You can’t demonstrate quality if you can’t demonstrate experience.”
When these systems work together, it becomes much easier to show how your organisation meets the intent of the new Aged Care Quality Standards, not just compliance on paper.
From compliance reporting to experience accountability
The sector is entering a new phase. Compliance reports will no longer be enough. What matters most is whether residents and families can see and feel the quality of care being delivered.
Providers who invest now in modern customer experience systems will be better prepared for the strengthened Standards. They will also be able to build stronger evidence of quality, improve communication and create more time for care.
See how CarePage can help your team get Standards-ready.
Book a short demo to explore how CarePage connects feedback, wellbeing and improvement in one simple system, giving you the evidence and insights you need for the new Aged Care Quality Standards.
