Physiotherapist, Founder of Community Therapy
The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) is a compliance requirement of all registered Support at Home providers.
This article explains how SIRS interacts with the Support at Home program, the types of incidents covered, and how providers, participants, and families are supported when serious incidents occur.
Summary
- Support at Home providers must comply with the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS).
- Serious incidents include abuse, neglect, misuse of force or restraint, theft, and financial misconduct.
- Providers are responsible for staff training and ensuring all workers understand their SIRS obligations.
- Clear communication with participants, families, and representatives is essential during incidents.
- Incident management should include reflection, risk register updates, and quality audits to reduce future risks.
- Proper systems protect participants, support staff, and strengthen overall care delivery.
Scaling Quality Care at Home Isn’t Simple
Registered providers must balance delivering personalised support with adhering to stringent compliance requirements. The Serious Incident Response Scheme exists to ensure safety and accountability, while the Support at Home program provides the framework for delivering aged care services directly in participants’ homes.
This article explores how SIRS applies to Support at Home providers, how incidents are managed, and how learning from past events strengthens overall care.
Under the Support at Home program, all registered providers are responsible for complying with the Serious Incident Response Scheme. This includes ensuring any associated providers they work with also meet these requirements. In practice, this means every provider must have clear policies, procedures, and reporting pathways in place for serious incidents.
What Counts as a “Serious Incident”?
Serious incidents are broadly consistent across aged care programs. There are eight primary types recognised under SIRS:
- Unreasonable use of force
- Unlawful sexual contact
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Neglect
- Unexplained absence
- Unauthorised restrictive practices
- Inappropriate use of chemical restraint
- Theft or financial misconduct
Each of these incidents triggers mandatory reporting and requires structured management.
SIRS vs NDIS Reportable Incidents
Both the aged care sector (through SIRS) and the NDIS have reporting schemes, but they operate under different legislation and regulators:
- Aged Care: Aged Care Quality and Safeguards Commission under the Aged Care Act
- NDIS: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission under the NDIS Act
While the types of reportable incidents are similar, the compliance pathways and legislative frameworks differ.
How Providers Learn and Prepare
Support at Home providers must ensure all staff, volunteers, and associated providers understand their responsibilities under SIRS. This involves:
- Implementing a clear incident management system
- Following appropriate reporting timelines
- Leveraging department-provided guidance, videos, or private training resources
- Ensuring all parties can manage incidents effectively and confidently
Supporting Participants and Families
When a serious incident occurs, registered providers should have a communication plan in place. This includes:
- Regular updates for participants or their representatives
- Clear next steps throughout investigation and resolution
- Protection mechanisms for whistleblowers and complainants
Participants or their families may already be aware of incidents if present, but if not, providers follow mandatory SIRS reporting timelines to inform them appropriately.
Learning and Continuous Improvement
Incident management is not just about compliance—it’s an opportunity to strengthen systems and reduce risk. Providers are encouraged to:
- Reflect on each incident and update risk registers
- Evaluate likelihood, severity, and controls for identified risks
- Engage with training resources from the Aged Care Quality and Safeguards Commission or private providers
- Integrate findings into audits and quality improvement plans
A robust incident management and risk system not only protects participants but also enhances provider operations and safeguards the business.
January 5, 2026
