Guiding good aged care design
![A sketch of an aged care facility common area, showing residents engaged in various activities like dining, socialising, and enjoying an aquarium.](/images/blog/149.jpg)
The National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines have been introduced to improve quality of life for older people living in residential aged care accommodation.
This resource puts the needs of older people first and encourages aged care homes to make design changes that create welcoming, safe and dementia-friendly spaces.
It promotes giving older people a sense of home, better access to the outdoors and connection to their community. It will also help residents foster a sense of identity, dignity and support them to stay independent as they age.
The Principles and Guidelines were developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Aged Care Taskforce also referenced the Principles and Guidelines in its Final Report, showing they reflect community expectations around what good design looks like.
The draft Principles and Guidelines were tested in a recent design ideas competition, which showed how design can promote quality of life for older people.
Explore the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines to learn what good aged care design looks like.
Let's change aged care, together
Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.
The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.
To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.