The Australian government has mandated eight standards of quality any facility they fund adhere to. These Aged CareQuality Standards came into effect as of July 1st 2019. These standards are hereto help clarify ‘proper care’ and how they can be achieved.
The Eight Aged Care Quality Standards:
- Resident dignity and choice
Just with everyone, residents should be treated with dignity and respect. They should be able to maintain their identity and make informed choices regarding their care while living the life of their choosing
- Ongoing assessment and planning with residents
Organisations and carers should plan care with residents. This means they should listen to what the residents want and develop ways to achieve these – within reason
- Personal care and clinical care
There is an expectation that residents receive safe and effective personal care, clinical care, or both, in accordance with their needs, goals, and preferences
- Services and supports for daily living
Residents should get the support and care for daily living important for their health and wellbeing. This would ensure they are able to do the things they want to do. In turn, this facilitates the independence, health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life of each resident
- Organisation’s services environment
Facilities and carers should be committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment which promotes the independence, function, and enjoyment of all residents
- Feedback and complaints
The facility should be committed to not only listening to, but seeking input and feedback from the residents, carers, and family members. Such feedback would become integral to future improvements
- Human resources
It is extremely important that residents have carers who are sufficient, skilled, and qualified in providing effective, safe, respectful, and quality care
- Organisational governance
It is the duty of any governing body of the facility to provide safe and quality care.Strategic aims should be outlined, which would then encourage a culture of safety and quality
Each of these standards make up and should highlight the quality standards expected by aged care facilities funded by the Australian government