What are the Aged Care Quality Standards?

The eight standards are designed to empower older Australians and ensure all aged care providers deliver high quality care and services.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for assessing and monitoring government-funded aged care services against the Quality Standards.

Here are the eight Standards and what they mean for you.

1. Consumer dignity and choice

Aged care providers must cultivate and maintain a culture of inclusion and respect, support people to exercise choice and independence, and respect people’s privacy. Residents and customers are supported to make decisions about their own care, take risks, and exercise choice.

What this means for you: You are treated with dignity and respect, and supported to maintain your identity. You can make informed choices about your care and services, and live the life you choose.

Example: Ben lived alone for nearly 10 years before moving into an aged care centre. Things that were important to him were going to the races on Saturdays and meeting up with other regulars and friends at his local pub. The staff involve Ben in meeting to understand how to safely assess his needs, goals and preferences, and give him the opportunity to involve friends or family members. The outcome of the assessment is a tailored plan that includes arrangements for safe transport to and from the races and pub at an agreed time so that he can still live the life he chooses.

2. Ongoing assessment and planning

Initial and continuous assessment and planning for care and services must be undertaken in close collaboration with the resident or customer. Their needs, goals and preferences should underpin the assessment, planning and provision of care.

What this means for you: You are a partner in ongoing assessment and planning that helps you get the care and services you need for your health and wellbeing.

Example: Olivia has been receiving home care services for several years. She has dementia and her needs have gradually increased, but she is capable and wants to continue living semi-independently for now. Olivia’s family ask the aged care provider to add laundry, ironing and bed-making to their duties. The staff who look after her believe this is unnecessary and risks making Olivia unhappy and affecting her confidence. The main priorities are Olivia’s safety, wellbeing and respecting her wish to keep doing her daily tasks. Staff meet with Oliva to talk about these issues. Olivia agrees to a small increase in staff supervision so she can continue doing these activities herself. Staff also explain the plan to Olivia’s family and they all agree to review the situation again in three months.

3. Personal care and clinical care

Providers promise to provide safe and effective personal care, clinical care, or both, in accordance with the resident or customer’s needs, goals, values and preferences. The care and services are best practice to optimise health and wellbeing.

What this means for you: You get personal care, clinical care, or both, that is safe and right for you.

Example: Bob feels happy and safe with the care he’s receiving because he knows when his condition changes or health deteriorates, the aged care provider has a process for communicating and escalating any concerns. Staff also provide Bob and his nominated representative information on how to minimise the spread of infections, such as handwashing, and the influenza vaccination is also offered to him each year.

4. Services and support for daily living

Residents and customers are provided with safe and effective services and supports for daily living that supports their independence, health, wellbeing and overall quality of life. This includes food services, domestic assistance, and recreational and social activities.

What this means for you: You get the services and supports for daily living that are important for your health and wellbeing and that enable you to do the things you want to do.

Example: Dorothy was a lifesaver for many years and loves going to the beach to watch the waves. She now lives in an aged care centre and often speaks about these memories with staff. Dorothy’s Lifestyle Manager knows how important this is for her mental wellbeing, and therefore plans regular outings to the local beach so Dorothy can feel the sand under her toes and reminisce on her past with staff. Dorothy looks forward to these outings as they support her to feel connected and engaged in a meaningful experience that she likes.