Introducing quality indicators to in-home aged care
Between May and June 2024, we consulted widely on the development of an Aged Care Quality Indicator Program (QI Program) for in-home aged care services. Quality indicators measure and monitor critical areas of care that can affect a person's health and wellbeing. This helps improve the quality of services for older people.
In this consultation we asked for feedback on proposed indicators, which indicators are a priority and how we can best introduce quality indicators for in-home aged care.
We heard from a range of people and organisations, including:
- aged care providers
- aged care participants, their families, representatives and carers
- industry organisations
- nursing, palliative and allied health professionals
- technology companies
- all levels of government.
We received feedback from:
- 308 people who completed our survey
- 28 written responses to our public consultation paper.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Insights from this consultation will help us develop how the new indicators will work.
What we heard
Overall, people supported a QI Program for in-home aged care services. They viewed it as a positive step towards measuring and monitoring the health and wellbeing of people accessing in-home aged care services.
Key findings:
Consultation participants agreed:
- the development of a QI Program for in-home aged care is important
- the 7 proposed domains were relevant - consumer experience, service delivery/care planning, and quality of life were the most important
- a step-by-step approach to implementation, starting with a small number of indicators and growing over time, was useful
- the 1 July 2026 start date was achievable (noting some providers want more time, and some aged care participants and stakeholders want an earlier start)
- providers would need funding, technology assistance, training, clear guidance, and enough time to properly prepare for the QI program.
Many people agreed the program should apply to all in-home aged care service types.
What we're doing
Feedback received from the consultation will inform the government's pilot to test the priority indicators, including:
- designing how we will test the proposed indicators
- seeking participation from the sector
- collecting data
- obtaining feedback.
The planning stage and pilot will help ensure the indicators work well for different types of providers and aged care participants.
After the pilot, we will make recommendations to the Australian Government. Following a decision, we will update our website with information about when the new QIs will start and how they will work.
You can subscribe to the aged care sector newsletters and alerts to get regular updates.
Find out more about the QI Program consultation and pilot on our website.
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.