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 4 is about making sure the environment and equipment are safe, supportive, and meet older people's needs. Quality Standard 4 applies to providers in registration categories 4, 5 and 6.
Older people need to feel safe and comfortable where they live. If you provide services in their home, you must discuss options to mitigate environmental risks relevant to the services you provide.
If you provide services in a residential care home, you must provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment that supports older people's sense of belonging, social connection, and function.
This Quality Standard also covers infection prevention and control systems.
Your aged care workers must use hygienic practices and take appropriate infection precautions when delivering care.
The health and safety of older people is your number one priority.
To find out more information, visit Health.gov.au and AgedCareQuality.gov.au.