The Australian Government introduced the Aged Care Quality Standards in 2019. They have been an important part of Government-funded aged care since. Under the Act, the Quality Standards have been improved to support the person-centred, rights-based approach to aged care.
[Chapter 1 – Part 2 – Division 2]
Changes to the Quality Standards are based on the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
There are 7 Quality Standards which support quality care that is centred on the older person and their rights and choices. Each standard focuses on a different part of overall care to define what good care looks like.
- The person
- The organisation
- Care and services
- The environment
- Clinical care
- Food and nutrition
- The residential community
Providers are registered to different categories depending on the services they deliver. Providers must meet the Quality Standards that apply to their registration category, which are set out in the Rules. For certain providers, this includes having practices in place to make sure their services are in line with the Statement of Rights.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (the Commission) regulates and monitors providers compliance with obligations under the Act, including compliance with the Quality Standards. The Commission will also complete an audit of providers in certain registration categories to make sure they comply with the Quality Standards before registration and renewal. If a provider doesn’t meet the Quality Standards, the Commissioner can take action, like cancelling their registration or giving them a fine.
The Commission has resources to help providers, aged care workers, and other stakeholders understand and meet the Quality Standards. There are also resources for older people about the Quality Standards.
The Quality Standards in practice
Case study: In line with the Statement of Rights and meaning of high quality care under the Act, a residential aged care home lets the family of residents bring their pets in to visit and spend time at the care home. One of the residents, Mr Serrano, has never had a pet and is not comfortable being around them. He can become distressed when pets are nearby. It makes him not want to use shared spaces or join some activities.
Applying the Quality Standards: Under Standard 2, a provider must encourage and support older people and aged care workers to make complaints and give feedback. They must also use any complaints and feedback to support continuously improving how they deliver services. It is important that older people have confidence in their provider and that workers feel empowered to do their job well. Staff who work with Mr Serrano notice his discomfort and talk to him about it. These workers are confident in raising his concerns with senior staff. After discussing it with Mr Serrano, the care home decides to create pet-free zones. They also let Mr Serrano know in advance when pets might be at certain activities.
Outcome: Mr Serrano’s discomfort has been addressed. He can relax and enjoy shared spaces and social activities in the care home. The provider has complied with the complaints and feedback part of Standard 2 in relation to Mr Serrano, while still letting other residents spend time with their pets.
Disclaimer
This publication is not legal advice and must not to be used or relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. Users must seek their own independent legal advice in relation to their particular circumstances.