The Albanese Government has released new design guidance to help aged care providers create homes that are culturally safe, respectful and supportive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, including Elders.
The new resource, Designing Culturally Safe Aged Care Homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, was co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged care providers and design experts. It is intended to complement the existing National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines.
The guidance is described as practical and flexible, helping providers make design decisions that respond to the needs and preferences of First Nations residents and embed cultural safety where it matters most.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said Elders deserved access to high-quality care later in life.
“Our Elders are an important part of our families and communities, and they deserve to have access to high-quality care in their later years.”
“This new guidance, designed in partnership with First Nations people, will help ensure more aged care homes are culturally safe, respectful and supportive for our Elders.”
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said designing principles for First Nations people, with First Nations people, was non-negotiable for the Government.
“Designing principles for First Nations people, with First Nations people, is a non-negotiable for this Government.”
“This guidance will help providers deliver better aged care for elders in every community — and it’s another step towards our promise: safe, dignified, high-quality aged care for every older Australian, no matter where they live.”
Sam Rae, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors — Australian Government media release, 28 April 2026
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing says the guidance is intended to embed cultural safety into the physical design of aged care homes, supporting better experiences for both residents and staff.
Discover more from I-News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
