The New Aged Care Quality Standards
May 14, 2020
In 2019 the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) introduced a single set of quality standards applicable to all Australian Government-funded Aged Care services.
The Aged Care Quality Standards is essentially a common understanding of ‘good care’. This new single framework replaces four separate sets of Aged Care industry standards: Accreditation Standards, Home Care, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program Quality Framework Standards and Transition Care Standards.
What do the new standards focus on?
Aged Care Quality Standards are made up of eight standards that providers must meet. With a focus on your health, safety and wellbeing, each standard has a consumer outcome which describes the impact of a service or support on the individual.
| CONSUMER OUTCOME (VERBATIM) | ||
| Standard 1 | Consumer dignity and choice | I am treated with dignity and respect and can maintain my identity. I can make informed choices about my care and services and live the life I choose. |
| Standard 2 | Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers | I am a partner in ongoing assessment and planning that helps me get the care and services I need
for my health and well-being. |
| Standard 3 | Personal care and clinical care | I get personal care, clinical care, or both personal care and clinical care, that is safe and right for me. |
| Standard 4 | Services and supports for daily living | I get the services and supports for daily living that are important for my health and well-being and that enable me to do the things I want to do. |
| Standard 5 | Organisation’s service environment | I feel I belong and I am safe and comfortable in the organisation’s service environment. |
| Standard 6 | Feedback and complaints | I feel safe and am encouraged and supported
to give feedback and make complaints. I am engaged in processes to address my feedback and complaints, and appropriate action is taken. |
| Standard 7 | Human resources | I get quality care and services when I need them from people who are knowledgeable, capable and caring. |
| Standard 8 | Organisational governance | I am confident the organisation is well run. I can partner in improving the delivery of care and services. |
Source: Aged Care Quality Standards Fact Sheet. Australian Government Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
How are providers checked for compliance?
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission independently reviews and monitor providers to make sure they comply with Aged Care Quality Standards.
In addition to meeting outcomes, providers must also demonstrate how they are meeting the outcome by fulfilling certain organisation requirements for each standard. For example, to meet Standard 5 (Organisation’s Service Environment), providers such as Aged Care homes are required to keep a safe, clean and well-maintained service environment.
What are the benefits for people receiving care?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing an Aged Care provider. But with the introduction of Aged Care Quality Standards, every Australian Government-subsidised Aged Care provider is now obliged to meet the same quality standards. With this information, it’s much simpler for you to compare Aged Care providers, and quickly find the right match for your care needs, lifestyle goals and overall wellbeing. It also ensures that providers are accountable, giving you the reassurance that they can actually deliver on what they promise.
Ready to find the provider that’s right for you? Here are some ideas to get started:
- You can view aged care Assessment Reportsfor individual homes already assessed by the new Aged Care Quality Standards on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.
- My Aged Carealso features the handy Find A Provider. Here, you can easily find out about an Aged Care provider and the specific packages & services they offer. You can also check for any non-compliance notices or sanctions.
- Why not take a Virtual Tour of The Royce and The Royce Manor? Using video conferencing, we’ll take you on a virtual showcase of our community and demonstrate our commitment to your care and quality of life. Please give us a call on 02-4720 5633 or contact usvia our website to arrange a tour.
- Respite Careis also a good way to ‘test drive’ an Aged Care provider before considering a permanent arrangement. At Royce Manor, this means full access to the care, services and activities our Permanent Care residents enjoy. Please call us for details.
Want more great tips and ideas for retirement living?
Visit Your Sanctuary by Tulich Family Communities for all the latest—from financial planning to health and wellbeing.
Back to Home