Catherine Ashton, Founder, Critical Info. Last updated 12/10/2026.

Outcome 5.7 of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards asks providers to recognise when someone is approaching the end of life, support them to prepare, and continue end of life planning conversations with the person, their supporters and substitute decision makers. Critical Info gives providers a structured, non clinical preparedness program that sits upstream of clinical care: before a crisis, before a care transition, and while the person can still say what matters to them.

What does Outcome 5.7 ask?

Action 5.7.1 asks providers to have processes to recognise when someone needs palliative care or is approaching the end of life, and to support them to prepare. Action 5.7.2 asks providers to support the person, their supporters and substitute decision maker to continue end of life planning conversations.

Where does Critical Info fit?

Critical Info complements clinical pathways rather than replacing them. Older people work through 15 life areas covering their story, wishes, decision makers and practical details, with prompts, guides and the option to record in text, audio or video. Providers receive staff training and resources, and hold no resident data on the platform.

Who is already using it?

Melville Cares in Western Australia was the first aged care provider in Australia to adopt the Critical Info Platform. 

How can home care clients access it?

Providers can choose to offer it through social support and community engagement, education and information, or care management services.

How do we start?

Most providers begin with a pilot. Read more and book a conversation on our aged care site .

Not sure where to start? Take the free 3 minute Critical Info Check. It shows what needs attention and your next step.