What are the Accreditation Standards?

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency assesses the performance of residential aged care homes against the Accreditation Standards. The Accreditation Standards are legislated under the Quality of Care Principles 1997.

The Standards outline the expected standard of quality of care and quality of life to be provided to residents of residential aged care homes. There are four Standards and each Standard has an underlying principle. Within the four Standards, there are a total of 44 expected outcomes:

• Standard 1: Management systems, staffing and organisational development (9 expected outcomes)
• Standard 2: Health and personal care (17 expected outcomes)
• Standard 3: Resident lifestyle; and (10 expected outcomes)
• Standard 4: Physical environment and safe systems. (8 expected outcomes)

Standard 1: Management systems, staffing and organisational development

Principle: Within the  philosophy and  level  of  care offered in the  residential care service,  management systems are responsive to the  needs  of  residents, their representatives, staff  and  stakeholders, and  the changing environment in which the  service operates.

Intention of standard: This  standard is  intended to enhance the  quality of  performance under all accreditation standards, and  should not be regarded as an end in itself.  It provides opportunities for improvement in all  aspects  of service  delivery and  is pivotal to the  achievement of  overall  quality

Expected outcome:

1.1    Continuous improvement

The organisation actively pursues  continuous improvement.

1.2  Regulatory compliance

The  organisation's management has systems  in place  to identify and  ensure  compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and guidelines.

1.3    Education and staff  development

Management and  staff  have appropriate knowledge and  skills to perform their roles effectively.

1.4   Comments and complaints

Each resident (or  his or her representative) and  other interested parties have access to internal and  external complaints mechanisms.

1.5   Planning and leadership

The organisation has documented the  residential care service's vision, values, philosophy, objectives and commitment to quality throughout the  service.

1.6   Human resource management

There  are appropriately skilled  and  qualified staff sufficient to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with these  standards and  the residential care service's philosophy and objectives.

1.7      Inventory and equipment

Stocks of appropriate goods and equipment for quality service  delivery are  available.

1.8   Information  systems

Effective information  management systems  are in place.

1.9   External services

All externally sourced services are provided in a way that meets  the  residential care service's  needs  and service  quality goals.

Standard 2: Health and  personal care

Principle: Residents' physical and  mental health will be promoted and  achieved at  the  optimum level,  in partnership between each resident (or  his or her representative) and  the health care team.

Expected outcome:

2.1     Continuous improvement

The organisation actively pursues  continuous improvement.

2.2    Regulatory compliance

The organisation's management has systems  in place  to identify and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and  guidelines, about health and  personal care.

2.3     Education and staff  development

Management and  staff have  appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their  roles effectively.

2.4     Clinical care

Residents  receive  appropriate clinical care.

2.5     Specialised nursing care needs

Residents' specialised nursing care needs  are identified and  met  by appropriately qualified nursing staff.

2.6     Other health and related services

Residents  are referred to appropriate health specialists in accordance with the  resident's needs  and  preferences.

2.7    Medication  management

Residents' medication is managed safely  and correctly

2.8     Pain management

All  residents are as free  as possible from pain.

2.9     Palliative care

The comfort and  dignity of terminally ill residents is maintained.

2.10        Nutrition and hydration

Residents receive  adequate nourishment and hydration.

2.11        Skin care

Residents' skin  integrity is consistent with their  general health.

2.12        Continence management

Residents' continence is managed effectively.

2.13    Behavioural management

The  needs  of  residents with challenging behaviours are managed effectively.

2.14    Mobility, dexterity and rehabilitation

Optimum levels  of  mobility and  dexterity are achieved for  all residents.

2.15     Oral and dental care

Residents' oral  and  dental health is maintained.

2.16     Sensory loss

Residents ' sensory  losses are identified and  managed effectively.

2.17      Sleep

Standard 3: Resident lifestyle

Principle:  Residents retain  their  personal,  civic, legal  and  consumer  rights,  and  are assisted to achieve active control  of their own  lives within  the residential  care service and in the community.

Expected  outcome:

3.1      Continuous improvement

The organisation  actively pursues continuous improvement.

3.2      Regulatory  compliance

The organisation’s management   has systems in place to identify  and ensure compliance with  all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and guidelines,  about resident lifestyle.

3.3       Education   and  staff  development

Management  and staff have appropriate knowledge   and skills to perform  their roles effectively.

3.4      Emotional  support

Each resident  receives support  in adjusting  to life in the new environment and on an ongoing basis.

3.5       Independence

Residents are assisted to achieve  maximum independence, maintain  friendships and participate in the life of the community  within and outside the residential  care service.

3.6       Privacy and  dignity

Each resident’s right to privacy, dignity  and confidentiality   is recognised and respected.

3.7       Leisure  interests  and  activities

Residents are encouraged and supported to participate in a wide  range of interests and activities of interest to them.

3.8      Cultural  and  spiritual  life

Individual  interests, customs, beliefs and cultural and ethnic backgrounds are valued and fostered.

3.9      Choice  and  decision making  

Each resident (or his or her representative) participates in decisions  about  the  services the resident  receives, and  is enabled  to exercise choice and control  over his or her lifestyle while  not infringing  on the rights of other people.

3.10        Resident security of  tenure  and responsibilities

Residents have secure tenure  within  the residential care service, and understand  their rights and responsibilities.

Standard 4: Physical environment and safe systems

Principle:  Residents live in  a safe and  comfortable environment   that ensures the quality  of life and welfare of residents, staff and visitors.

Expected  outcome:

4.1    Continuous improvement

The organisation  actively pursues continuous improvement.

4.2  Regulatory  compliance

The organisation’s management   has systems in place to identify  and ensure compliance with  all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and guidelines,  about physical environment  and safe systems.

4.3    Education   and  staff  development

Management  and staff have appropriate knowledge   and skills to perform  their roles effectively.

4.4   Living  environment

Management   of the residential care service is actively working  to provide a safe and comfortable environment  consistent with  residents’  care needs.

4.5   Occupational  health  and  safety

Management   is actively working  to provide a safe working environment that meets regulatory requirements.

4.6    Fire,  security and  other  emergencies

Management   and staff are actively working  to provide  an environment and safe systems of work that minimise fire, security and emergency  risks.

4.7    Infection control

An  effective infection control program.

4.8   Catering, cleaning  and  laundry services

Hospitality   services are provided   in  a way  that enhances residents’ quality of life and the staff’s working environment.