An Easy Guide to the New Aged Care Rights and Quality Standards

The Australian aged care system is changing, and that’s good news for older Australians and their families looking to transition into aged care.

With the introduction of the new Aged Care Rights and Quality Standards, quality care, dignity, and choice are no longer just expectations – they are protected rights. For people receiving aged care, this means greater transparency, stronger safeguards and a clearer voice in how their care is delivered.

At Whiddon, this shift reflects what has always guided our approach to aged care: building meaningful relationships and supporting people to live enriched, purposeful lives. We see the move to a rights‑based aged care system as an opportunity to deepen trust, strengthen community connections, and ensure every resident and client feels informed, respected and empowered at every stage of their care journey.

The Statement of Rights: Empowering Your Voice

The Statement of Rights is all about making sure you remain the decision maker for the care you receive. It’s a promise that your voice will always be the most important one when deciding on your care. Whether you are a resident in one of our homes or a client receiving support in your own house, you have the right to live life on your terms.

We bring these rights to life through a focus on what truly matters to you:

• Independence, Choice and Control: You decide how your day looks, from when you wake up to the activities you join.
• Fair Access: You have the right to access care and services that are fair, inclusive and respectful of your history.
• Voice: You have the right to be heard and to have an advocate help you express your wishes.
• Safety and Quality: You are entitled to receive safe, high-quality care from a professional and compassionate team.
• Privacy and Information: Your personal information is kept private, and you have clear access to your own care records.
• Community and Identity: Your culture, history and relationships are what make you who you are, and you have the right to stay connected to your community.

You can explore how we protect these values every day on our Statement of Rights page.

What Are The Strengthened Quality Standards?

To ensure high-quality aged care support across Australia, providers follow seven strengthened Quality Standards. These standards focus on the outcomes for the person receiving care.

Standard 1: The Individual

This standard ensures you are respected as a unique person. We bring this to life through our MyLife approach, where our team takes the time to truly get to know you. It’s about celebrating your identity and supporting your right to choose your own path, even if they involve a little challenge. This ensures that your autonomy is respected in every interaction.

Standard 2: The Organisation

A well-run organisation must promote a culture of safety and quality while delivering aged care services. We foster a community where our care teams are encouraged to partner with residents, clients and families. This ensures that your feedback is not just heard, but directly shapes the way we evolve and improve our services.

Standard 3: The Care and Services

Quality care should be safe, effective and exactly what you asked for. We work alongside you to create a care plan that is as unique as you are, ensuring that the support you receive is tailored specifically to your personal goals and delivered at the right time.

Standard 4: The Environment

The physical space where care is delivered should always be comfortable, safe and easy to navigate. We design our aged care homes to feel comforting and familiar, creating inviting common areas for social connection while ensuring private rooms remain your personal sanctuary.

Standard 5: Clinical Care

When health support is required, it must be evidence-based and delivered by a skilled, professional team. Our care workers provide high-quality clinical care with a gentle touch, prioritising your wellbeing and medication management while always respecting your personal choices and dignity.

Standard 6: Food and Nutrition

While nutrition is a fundamental right, we believe food is also one of life’s greatest pleasures. This standard ensures meals are nutritious and safe, but at Whiddon, we also make sure they are delicious and social. We treat the dining experience as a highlight that brings people together and fosters a sense of community. We also work with our residents to create menus that appeal to them and their food wishes.

Standard 7: The Residential Community

When people move into residential aged care, they should feel safe at all times and supported in maintaining their social connections. For our residents, our homes are vibrant communities where you are encouraged to stay active and connected. Through our innovative Creative Ageing programs, we help you stay engaged with your passions, ensuring you have every opportunity to participate in what matters most to you.

Prioritising Relationships in Aged Care

While these standards provide a vital foundation, we believe the best care comes from a genuine personal connection. Our relationship-based care model is what makes the Whiddon experience unique. Rather than just meeting a set of requirements, our care teams focus on building a friendship with you. By understanding your quirks, passions and life’s journey, we can deliver support that goes beyond a checklist to create a meaningful, exceptional impact every single day.

Finding Extra Support and Reassurance

If you ever have questions or feel that your voice is not being heard, there are free and independent advocates like the Older Persons Advocacy Network available to support you. They are there to provide a voice and ensure you feel confident and empowered in your care.

If you would like to discuss how we bring these strengthened rights and standards to life, please contact our friendly team today or book a tour of one of our aged care homes.