ISO 25557:2026

Overview

ISO 25557:2026: Ageing societies - Care quality for older persons at home and in care facilities is an international standard developed by ISO, designed to support the delivery of high-quality health and social care services for older persons. Applicable to both home-based care and care facilities, the standard provides requirements and recommendations to guide care providers-regardless of size, structure, or funding model-on how to meet the holistic needs of older adults while promoting self-determination, safety, inclusion, and dignity.

This standard covers care services delivered in various settings, including long-term, short-term, respite, enablement, and rehabilitation care. It emphasizes individualized, person-centered services that respect the preferences and rights of older persons and integrate principles of equity and diversity.

Key Topics

1. Person-Centered and Holistic Care

• Focuses on respect for individual needs, values, and preferences
• Promotes self-determination, participation, and independence
• Encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being

2. Inclusive Service Provision

• Applies to all care providers (public, private, non-profit)
• Encourages equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Addresses community and cultural values

3. Comprehensive Quality Management

• Requires clear leadership and governance structures
• Stresses continuous improvement and innovation
• Promotes robust quality management systems

4. Workforce Management and Training

• Covers recruitment, training, and ongoing development
• Emphasizes appropriate staffing and workforce well-being
• Details practices for health and safety, including risk management

5. Environment and Safety

• Provides guidance on infrastructure, safety, and accessibility
• Contains recommendations for infection prevention, food safety, and emergency preparedness
• Addresses environmental stewardship

6. Care Process

• Outlines requirements for care planning, assessment, and documentation
• Includes agreements with older persons and family involvement
• Promotes effective communication and transitions of care

7. Service Evaluation and Feedback

• Sets out requirements for user feedback, self-assessment, and audits
• Details processes for improvement, complaints, and adverse events

Applications

ISO 25557:2026 offers practical value across a range of care settings:

• Home care organizations: Structure service delivery to support independence, quality of life, and personalized care.
• Care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living): Standardize quality assurance, staff training, and person-centered administration.
• Short-term and respite care providers: Ensure consistent quality and safety for temporary support services.
• Health and social care regulators: Use as a benchmark for accreditation, inspection, or policy development.
• Professional training organizations: Develop curricula to train care staff on up-to-date best practices.
• Families and older persons: Clarify expectations and advocate for high-quality care supported by international standards.

Implementing ISO 25557:2026 facilitates compliance, builds trust with service users and stakeholders, and contributes to improved outcomes for older persons in both home-based and facility-based care.

Related Standards

When implementing ISO 25557:2026, organizations may also consider related standards for comprehensive quality and safety:

• ISO 9001: Quality management systems
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems
• ISO 26000: Guidance on social responsibility
• ISO 7101: Health care organization management
• National standards for elderly care and health services

Adopting ISO 25557:2026 demonstrates a commitment to international best practices in care quality, safety, and equity for ageing populations, ensuring that older persons receive respectful, person-centered, and effective care, regardless of the setting.