The 8 Aged Care Standards: Understanding the Pillars of Quality Aged Care

What is the goal of the Aged Care Quality Standards?

The Aged Care Quality Standards aim to guarantee top-quality care for older Australians. These eight quality standards set by the Australian Government outline what excellent aged care should entail. They are mandatory for all government-funded aged care providers and are assessed by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Ultimately, these quality standards aim to enhance the quality of aged care facilities and make it easier to compare the performance of different aged care providers.

The 8 Quality Standards of Aged Care

The eight Quality Standards for aged care services in Australia, as outlined by the Australian Government's Aged Care Quality Standards, are:



Standard 1: Consumer Dignity & Choice

Standard 1 serves as the foundation of the 7 essential principles that emphasise the value of an individual’s identity and independence. These principles allow consumers to act independently, make their own choices, and participate in the community, which are essential in promoting social inclusion, health care, and one’s overall well-being.



What this means for you

I am treated with dignity and respect, and can maintain my identity. I can make informed choices about my care and services, and live the life I choose.

Standard 2: Assessment & Planning

Standard 2 extends the principles established in Standard 1 and incorporates requirements for organisations to collaborate with consumers. This standard explains how the aged care and services planned should fulfil every consumer's needs, goals, and preferences to enhance their health and overall wellness. Keep in mind that even if a consumer faces challenges with their health or abilities, they still have dreams to pursue, important roles to fulfil, and a desire to live their life to the fullest.



What this means for you

I actively participate in ongoing assessment and planning to ensure I receive the necessary care and services for my health and well-being.



Standard 3: Personal Care & Clinical Care

In this standard, both the consumers and the community expect safe, efficient, and high-quality provision of personal and clinical care. As outlined in the Quality of Care Principles 2014, Standard 3 is relevant to all services providing personal and clinical care.

Personal and clinical care and services can include:

• Overseeing or assisting with bathing, showering, personal hygiene, and dressing
• Offering personal mobility aids and communication assistance for consumers with hearing, sight, or speech impairments
• Nursing services, including catheter care and wound management
• Services focused on restoring or enhancing a consumer's independence in daily living activities
• Specialised therapy services for consumers with cognitive impairment

What this means for you

I receive tailored personal and/or clinical care that is safe and suitable for my needs.



Standard 4: Services & Supports for Daily Living

Daily living services and supports, like food, household assistance, transportation, and social activities, aid consumers in pursuing meaningful goals and managing day-to-day life despite health challenges. These services and supports for daily living cover a wide range of options to help consumers live independently and enjoy life to the fullest. This may include:

• domestic assistance, like cleaning, laundry, gardening, and home maintenance
• food-related services, covering meals, dietary advice, delivery, and preparation
• services that promote and assist consumers in engaging in social activities of interest, including community involvement

What this means for you

I receive the essential services and support for daily living that are essential for my health and well-being and that enables me to pursue my goals.



Standard 5: Service Environment

Standard 5 relates to the physical environment offered by organisations for residential care, respite care, and day therapy centres, which aim to support consumers' quality of life, independence, and enjoyment.



This Standard covers how an organisation's service environment:

• promotes consumers' participation in the community and social interactions
• minimises confusion by providing clear navigation and wayfinding
• encourages consumers to personalise their living spaces
• welcomes consumers, family, and visitors, offering culturally safe interaction spaces
• maintains safety, cleanliness, and upkeep of the environment
• ensures easy mobility for consumers, including access to outdoor areas
• implements safety measures without dominating the environment
• adheres to security best practices to safeguard consumers when warranted

What this means for you

I feel a sense of belonging and safety and I find comfort within the organisation's service environment.



Standard 6: Feedback & Complaints

In this standard, organisations are mandated to establish a complaint resolution system that guarantees consumer feedback is accessible, confidential, prompt, and fair. Standard 6 covers essential components of an efficient complaints management system that:

• motivates consumers to provide both positive and negative feedback to the organisation regarding their aged care services
• addresses formal and informal feedback and complaints from consumers and others, whether conveyed in writing or verbally
• facilitates continuous improvement by suggesting ways to improve aged care and services
• resolves issues for consumers and others efficiently

Organisations should practice open disclosure, involving honest communication and transparent processes, including admitting mistakes and offering apologies when necessary. More importantly, consumers should feel at ease providing feedback, especially those facing barriers like cognitive, communication, language, or cultural differences, or sensitive issues.

What this means for you

I feel safe, encouraged and supported to provide feedback and voice any concerns. I am engaged in the process of addressing my feedback and complaints to guarantee that the appropriate action is taken.



Standard 7: Human Resources

This Standard states that organisations are required to maintain a skilled and qualified workforce capable of delivering and overseeing safe, respectful, and high-quality care and services in accordance with the Quality Standards.

Here are four primary concepts included in this aged care quality standard:

What this means for you

I receive timely, high-quality care and services from knowledgeable, capable, and compassionate individuals when needed.



Standard 8: Organisational Governance

The Quality Standard of Organisational Governance requires that the governing body of an organisation is accountable for providing and delivering safe and high-quality aged care and services that adhere to the set standards. Organisations are expected to have systems in place to assess, monitor, and enhance the quality and safety of their services in order to provide a positive experience for consumers. In addition, they should be prepared to manage emergencies, disasters, and maintain effective infection prevention and control procedures.



What this means for you

I trust the organisation's efficient management and actively contribute as a partner in enhancing the delivery of care and services.



Takeaway

The Aged Care Quality Standards are vital in safeguarding the well-being and dignity of older Australians. By establishing clear expectations and guidelines, these quality standards guarantee that aged care providers deliver services of the highest quality and that older adults have the opportunity to voice their feedback and concerns, making sure their needs are heard and addressed.

At Focus Connect, we value individual needs that's why we help residents live a quality and independent life in their own home and community. We make sure that our services align with each of the eight Quality Standards of Aged Care in order to provide you with peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are receiving the best possible care and support. Get in touch with us today to know more about our services.