The Federal Government has opened up public comment on the Aged Care Quality Standards as part of a review aimed at strengthening them.

Governance, food and nutrition, clinical care, dementia care, and diversity will be among the areas the Government is looking to strengthen in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission; providers were invited to have their say in a survey last year.

According to Aged Care Minister Anika Wells (pictured), the Government wants to “embed high quality in the aged care system”.

“I want to ensure all older people receive high quality care that is best suited to them and meets their individual needs, which is why it’s so critical that as many people engage as possible and have their say.

“We heard what the Royal Commission said and are raising the bar for quality and safety. We are doing this by strengthening governance and clinical care in the Quality Standards and ensuring the diversity of older Australians and people living with dementia are better understood and considered,” she said.

Public consultation closes 25 November; for more details, see https://www.agedcareengagement.health.gov.au/qualitystandards/.