New aged care quality standards launch in July

Hall & Prior's General Manager Health and Care Services Jennifer Grieve with WA Coordinator Quality, Safety & Staff Development Programs Julie Beaton.

Across Australia, aged care organisations are preparing for the upcoming changes to the Aged Care Quality Standards. Led by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the industry’s regulatory body, the new single set of standards will be for all Commonwealth-funded providers.

The six-month transition period that began in January will come to a close on July 1, and residential aged care home and home care providers will be accredited against the new criteria.

Focusing on improved outcomes for consumers, the new standards promote consumer choice and enable consumers to have an active role in the care they receive. We will always consult with the consumer and their chosen representative to discuss their care, as well as the ways in which we can optimise their well being and quality of life.

In the lead-up to July, our staff have taken part in training sessions to ensure everyone is aware of the changes, how it affects the way we provide care and how we will proceed in the future.

Hall & Prior’s WA Coordinator Quality, Safety & Staff Development Programs Julie Beaton said everyone has worked hard to prepare for the incoming standards.

“It represents a culture shift for the whole organisation, because we have to focus more on constantly engaging with the consumer to consider their needs and preferences,” she said.

“It does present challenges as we have to balance the consumer’s wishes against potential risks. We will work together with the consumer so they are empowered to live the life they choose while still staying safe.”

Julie said the process involved revising all of the organisation’s policies and procedures and ensuring they cater for consumer choice and a holistic approach to person-centred care.

If you have any questions about the new standards visit https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/