Residential aged care
The Australian Aged Care Quality Agency assesses the performance of residential aged care homes against the accreditation standards. It now also assesses home care common stardards. Both are detailed in the Quality of Care Principles 2014
Each Standard consists of a principle and a number of expected outcomes. Standard one also has an 'intention' which indicates it acts as the umbrella for the other three Standards. There are 44 expected outcomes across the four Standards. Homes must comply with all 44 expected outcomes at all times.
- 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 care recipients, 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.
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 care recipient (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: Care recipients’ physical and mental health will be promoted and achieved at the optimum level in partnership between each care recipient (or his or her representative) and the health care team.
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
Care recipients receive appropriate clinical care.
2.5 Specialised nursing care needs
Care recipients’ specialised nursing care needs are identified and met by appropriately qualified nursing staff.
2.6 Other health and related services
Care recipients are referred to appropriate health specialists in accordance with the care recipient’s needs and preferences.
2.7 Medication management
Care recipients’ medication is managed safely and correctly.
2.8 Pain management
All care recipients are as free as possible from pain.
2.9 Palliative care
The comfort and dignity of terminally ill care recipients is maintained.
2.10 Nutrition and hydration
Care recipients receive adequate nourishment and hydration.
2.11 Skin care
Care recipients’ skin integrity is consistent with their general health.
2.12 Continence management
Care recipients’ continence is managed effectively.
2.13 Behavioural management
The needs of care recipients with challenging behaviours are managed effectively.
2.14 Mobility, dexterity and rehabilitation
Optimum levels of mobility and dexterity are achieved for all care recipients.
2.15 Oral and dental care
Care recipients’ oral and dental health is maintained.
2.16 Sensory loss
Care recipients’ sensory losses are identified and managed effectively.
2.17 Sleep
Care recipients are able to achieve natural sleep patterns.
Accreditation Standards
Standard 3: Care recipient lifestyle
Principle: Care recipients 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.
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 care recipient 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 care recipient receives support in adjusting to life in the new environment and on an ongoing basis.
3.5 Independence
Care recipients 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 care recipient’s right to privacy, dignity and
confidentiality is recognised and respected.
3.7 Leisure interests and activities
Care recipients 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 care recipient (or his or her representative) participates in decisions about the services the care recipient 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 Care recipient security of tenure and responsibilities
Care recipients have secure tenure within the
residential care service, and understand their rights and responsibilities.
Standard 4: Physical environment and safe systems
Principle: Care recipients live in a safe and comfortable environment that ensures the quality of life and welfare of care recipients, staff and visitors.
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 care recipients’ 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 care recipients’ quality of life and the staff’s working environment.