The new Aged Care Act provides greater protections for older people through a new regulatory model, and by strengthening the Aged Care Quality Standards.
The new regulatory model sets out how the aged care system will operate under the new Act. It is designed to improve outcomes and protections for older people.
Quality Standard 3 explains the way you need to deliver care and services. This standard applies to providers in registration categories 4, 5 and 6.
You must engage older people in developing and reviewing their care plans and services. They must meet the individual's needs, goals, and preferences.
Assessment and planning processes need to be well-planned and involve ongoing communication with older people and aged care workers. This will allow safe, effective, and individualised care that optimises quality of life and reablement and maintenance of function.
Quality Standard 3 requires you to also ensure older people are aware of risks and changes in condition. You must speak to them regularly and escalate urgent matters. You must also respect older people's dignity when their decisions involve a level of risk.
If an older person wants you to speak with their registered supporters, family members, or carers, you must support them to be involved in their care and share information with them.
To find out more information, visit Health.gov.au and AgedCareQuality.gov.au