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
• Standard 2: Health and personal care
• Standard 3: Resident lifestyle; and
• Standard 4: Physical environment and safe systems.

Standard 1: Management systems, staffing and organisational development

1.1 Continuous improvement

This expected outcome requires that “the organisation actively pursues continuous improvement”.

1.2 Regulatory compliance

This expected outcome requires that “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 

This expected outcome requires that “management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively”. 

1.4 Comments and complaints

This expected outcome requires that "each resident (or his or her representative) and other interested parties have access to internal and external complaints mechanisms".

1.5 Planning and leadership

This expected outcome requires that "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

This expected outcome requires that "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

This expected outcome requires that "stocks of appropriate goods and equipment for quality service delivery are available".

1.8 Information systems

This expected outcome requires that "effective information management systems are in place".

1.9    External services

This expected outcome requires that "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

2.1 Continuous improvement

This expected outcome requires that “the organisation actively pursues continuous improvement”.

2.2 Regulatory compliance

This expected outcome requires that “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 

This expected outcome requires that “management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively”. 

2.4 Clinical care

This expected outcome requires that “residents receive appropriate clinical care”.

2.5 Specialised nursing care needs

This expected outcome requires that “residents’ specialised nursing care needs are identified and met by appropriately qualified nursing staff”.

2.6 Other health and related services

This expected outcome requires that “residents are referred to appropriate health specialists in accordance with the resident’s needs and preferences”.

2.7 Medication management

This expected outcome requires that “residents’ medication is managed safely and correctly”.

2.8 Pain management

This expected outcome requires that “all residents are as free as possible from pain”.

2.9 Palliative care

This expected outcome requires that “the comfort and dignity of residents is maintained”.

2.10 Nutrition and hydration

This expected outcome requires that “residents receive adequate nourishment and ”.

2.11 Skin care

This expected outcome requires that “residents’ skin integrity is consistent with their general health”.

2.12 Continence management

This expected outcome requires that “residents’ continence is managed effectively”.

2.13 Behavioural management

This expected outcome requires that “the needs of residents with challenging behaviours are managed effectively”.

2.14 Mobility, dexterity and rehabilitation

This expected outcome requires that “optimum levels of mobility and dexterity are achieved for all residents”.

2.15 Oral and dental care

This expected outcome requires that “residents’ oral and dental health is maintained”.

2.16 Sensory loss

This expected outcome requires that “residents’ sensory losses are identified and managed effectively”.

2.17 Sleep

This expected outcome requires that “residents are able to achieve natural sleep patterns”.

Standard 3: Resident lifestyle

3.1 Continuous improvement

This expected outcome requires that “the organisation actively pursues continuous improvement”.

3.2 Regulatory compliance

This expected outcome requires that “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 

This expected outcome requires that “management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively”. 

3.4 Emotional support 

This expected outcome requires that "each resident receives support in adjusting to life in the new environment and on an ongoing basis".

3.5 Independence

This expected outcome requires that "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

This expected outcome requires that "each resident’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality is recognised and respected".

3.7 Leisure interests and activities

This expected outcome requires that "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

This expected outcome requires that "individual interests, customs, beliefs and cultural and ethnic backgrounds are valued and fostered".

3.9 Choice and decision-making

This expected outcome requires that "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

This expected outcome requires that "residents have secure tenure within the residential care service, and understand their rights and responsibilities".

Standard 4: Physical environment and safe systems

4.1 Continuous improvement

This expected outcome requires that “the organisation actively pursues continuous improvement”.

4.2 Regulatory compliance

This expected outcome requires that “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 

This expected outcome requires that “management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively”. 

4.4 Living environment

This expected outcome requires that "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

This expected outcome requires that "management is actively working to provide a safe working environment that meets regulatory requirements".

4.6 Fire, security and other emergencies

This expected outcome requires that "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

This expected outcome requires that there is "an effective infection ".

4.8 Catering, cleaning and laundry services

This expected outcome requires that "hospitality services are provided in a way that enhances residents’ quality of life and the staff’s working environment".