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Aged care providers in Australia must follow quality standards to make sure older Australians get the best care possible. These standards focus on each person's individual needs and cover both residential and home care services.
In this blog, we'll explain the 8 Aged Care Standards and why they matter. We'll also answer common questions, such as how many standards there are and when the new ones will come into effect.
What Are the Aged Care Standards?
The Australian Government introduced the Aged Care Quality Standards to improve care for older people. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission ensures care providers follow rules to protect the dignity, safety, and well-being of older people.
Here are the 8 Aged Care Standards:
Consumer Dignity and Choice
This standard ensures elderly people are treated with dignity and respect. They should have control over their care, including choosing the services they receive, who provides them, and how they are delivered.
2. Ongoing Assessment and Planning with Consumers
Care providers must regularly assess the health and needs of elderly people. Care plans should be flexible and updated as the individual's needs change. This helps ensure that care stays person-centered and responsive.
3. Personal Care and Clinical Care
Providers must deliver safe, effective personal and clinical care. This includes managing medical conditions, medications, and any other clinical needs, following best practice guidelines.
4. Services and Supports for Daily Living
This standard helps elderly people live as independently as possible. It includes support with things like meals, social activities, transportation, and housekeeping to help maintain their quality of life.
5. Organisation’s Service Environment
Care providers need to create safe and welcoming environments for their clients, whether in a residential or home care setting. This includes making sure the environment is comfortable, private, and secure.
6. Feedback and Complaints
Elderly people and their families must have clear and easy ways to raise concerns or complaints about their care. Providers must take feedback seriously and use it to improve their services.
7. Human Resources
This standard focuses on making sure care staff are well-trained and supported. Quality care depends on the skills and competence of the workforce.
8. Organisational Governance
Providers must have effective systems in place to manage the quality and safety of care. This includes leadership, risk management, and staying accountable to legal and regulatory rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Aged Care Quality Standards Are There?
Eight Aged Care Quality Standards that all providers in Australia must follow. They cover everything from personal care and clinical services to how feedback is handled and how the organization is run.
What Are the 8 Standards in Aged Care?
The 8 standards are:
Consumer Dignity and Choice
Ongoing Assessment and Planning with Consumers
Personal Care and Clinical Care
Services and Supports for Daily Living
Organisation’s Service Environment
Feedback and Complaints
Human Resources
Organisational Governance
These standards help ensure aged care services are safe, respectful, and effective.
When Will the New Aged Care Standards Be Implemented?
The new standards are part of ongoing reforms to aged care. The exact date for when they will be fully in effect is still being reviewed, but more updates are expected in 2024.
Why Aged Care Standards Matter
Aged care standards are important because they make sure elderly people get care that is safe, respectful, and meets their needs. These standards protect the rights of elderly people and hold care providers accountable.
For families choosing an aged care provider, understanding these standards can help you make better decisions. Providers who meet or exceed these standards are more likely to offer high-quality care.
By knowing what these standards involve, you can make informed choices and feel confident that your loved ones are getting the best care possible.
How My Companionship Follows All the Aged Care Standards
At My Companionship, we take pride in following all the Aged Care Quality Standards. Our goal is to provide high-quality, personalized care that respects the choices and preferences of our clients. We offer ongoing assessments to make sure our care plans adapt as needs change.
Our team is trained to deliver excellent personal and clinical care, whether in your home or in one of our care facilities. We also encourage feedback from clients and their families, which helps us continuously improve.
Our governance systems ensure we comply with all regulations and maintain the highest standards of care. At My Companionship, we don’t just meet the standards – we strive to exceed them, providing high-quality, affordable care that makes a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
To learn more about how we uphold these standards or explore our services, visit My Companionship
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