The Strengthened Aged Care Standards have been developed to enhance the well-being of elderly Australians and establish precise guidelines for providers to ensure the delivery of high-quality aged care services.
About the Quality Standards
The Aged Care Quality Standards are a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines established by the government regulator to ensure high-quality care and services for elderly Australians and their families. These standards provide a clear and consistent framework for the level of care and services that should be expected from aged care providers.
It is mandatory for all government-funded aged care providers to adhere to these standards, and their compliance is rigorously assessed and monitored by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Currently, there are seven enhanced Standards that are under review, each focusing on a specific aspect of care. These Standards aim to improve the quality of care provided to older Australians and promote a culture of continuous improvement within the aged care sector.
The Reasons for Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
In 2021, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety made recommendations for an immediate review of the Quality Standards and suggested amendments where necessary. The recommendations included the following:
- Recommendation 18: Utilizing the expertise of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care for clinical and standards development.
- Recommendation 19: Urgently reviewing specific areas of focus within the Quality Standards.
- Recommendation 20: Implementing periodic reviews of the Quality Standards on an ongoing basis.
- Recommendation 21: Identifying priority issues for review.
The Royal Commission identified several areas within the Quality Standards that could be enhanced, such as:
- dementia care
- diversity
- governance
- food and nutrition
- clinical care
These recommendations highlight the need for continuous improvement and a focus on key areas to ensure the highest quality of care for elderly individuals in aged care facilities.
Overview of the Quality Standards
Overview of the Quality Standards
Standard 1: The Person
I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to live free from any form of discrimination. I make decisions about my care and services, with support when I want or need it. My identity, culture and diversity are valued and supported, and I have the right to live the life I choose. My provider understands who I am and what is important to me, and this determines the way my care and services are delivered.
At the core of all standards lies a central focus on the individual receiving care. The primary goal is to empower individuals by providing them with choices, fostering independence, and enhancing their quality of life through person-centered care. This approach emphasizes the importance of promoting dignity, respect, and privacy in all aspects of care delivery.
Standard 2: The Organisation
The organization is well run. I can contribute to improvements to care and services. My provider and workers listen and respond to my feedback and concerns. I receive care and services from workers who are knowledgeable, competent, capable and caring.
This standard delineates the expectations for providers to adhere to the benchmarks established by the regulator as they deliver their services. This includes maintaining high standards in quality, risk management, emergency and incident response, workforce planning, and communication.
Standard 3: The Care and Services
The care and services I receive are safe and effective, optimize my quality of life, including through maximizing independence and reablement, meet my current needs, goals and preferences, are well-planned and coordinated, and respect my right to take risks.
This standard delineates the proper procedures for delivering care within the organization, encompassing assessment, planning, and coordination.
Standard 4: The Environment
I feel safe when receiving care and services. Where I receive care and services through a service environment, the environment is clean, safe and comfortable and enables me to move around freely. Equipment is safe, appropriate and well-maintained and precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infections.
This standard ensures that the physical environment where care is provided is clean, safe, and tailored to the individual’s needs.
Standard 5: Clinical Care
I receive person-centered, evidence-based, safe, effective, and coordinated clinical care by qualified health professionals and competent workers that meet my changing clinical needs and are in line with my goals and preferences.
This standard highlights the importance of every healthcare provider in delivering safe and high-quality care through a clinical governance framework or structure. It specifically addresses the areas of dementia care, palliative care, and end-of-life care.
Standard 6: Food and Nutrition
I receive plenty of food and drinks that I enjoy. Food and drinks are nutritious, appetizing and safe, and meet my needs and preferences. The dining experience is enjoyable, includes variety and supports a sense of belonging.
This standard emphasizes the critical role of food and nutrition in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals. It aims to create a more inclusive and supportive dining environment that prioritizes personal choice and preferences. This standard recognizes the significance of providing older adults with nutritious meals that cater to their individual needs and desires, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and satisfaction.
Note: Standard 6 applies only to residential care services.
Standard 7: The Residential Community
I am supported to do the things I want and to maintain my relationships and connections with my community. I am confident in the continuity of my care and security of my accommodation.
This standard guarantees that elderly individuals have access to opportunities that allow them to stay connected to their community and uphold a sense of purpose through engaging activities. These activities may include those that are typically part of daily life.
Note: Standard 7 applies only to residential care services.
For more information about these standards – read here