New code aims to support aged care providers to meet consumer expectations

The sector’s workforce council is calling on all aged care stakeholders to pledge their commitment to the recently launched industry-developed code of practice.

The sector’s workforce council is calling on all aged care stakeholders to pledge their commitment to the recently launched industry-developed code of practice.

A code of practice was among one of 14 strategic directions proposed by the Aged Care Workforce Taskforce’s strategy A Matter of Care.

The Aged Care Voluntary Industry Code of Practice is designed for providers to continually set the bar higher, says the Aged Care Industry Workforce Council, which launched the code on Friday.

The code, which was developed in consultation with consumers, aged care providers and peak bodies, is based on seven guiding principles for quality care.

It sets out how industry leaders intend to guide their organisations and the sector in delivering care services that reflect the rights and needs of Australians as they age.

The code provides an opportunity for aged care providers to perform beyond expectations, the workforice council said on its website.

“We encourage providers to pledge their commitment to the code and for consumers, workers and their organisations to state their support for the code,” it said.

Several aged care providers have already taken the pledge to commit to the code including Allity, Australian Unity, Benetas, Glenview Community Services, BlueCross, Coolibah Care, Uniting, Japara, Catholic Healthcare, Northside Community Service, Vital Home Health Services, Hall and Prior Health and Aged Care Group, Baptcare, Burnie Brae and Estia Health.

Likewise many aged care groups have provided their support to the code including Uniting Care Australia, Baptist Care Australia, Catholic Heath Australia, Leading Age Services Australia, Aged and Community Services Australia, Anglicare Australia and Wellness By Care.

Minister for Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck, who attended Friday’s virtual launch event with industry and workforce leaders, congratulated the council on the launch of the code.

Richard Colbeck

He said it marked a new chapter in care delivery and quality of aged care services.

“Importantly, this Code of Practice tells Australians that the aged care sector has aspirations for excellence, and will hold itself accountable to the community,” Mr Colbeck said.

Most importantly, it highlights the process of continuous improvement of aged care services as a feature of the code, he said.

Mr Colbeck said reaching this milestone during a year of such disruption due to COVID-19 is a testament to the sector’s commitment to cultural change.

“It’s a demonstration the sector will work to meet – and exceed – the community’s high expectations when the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety releases its final report in February.”

He said the Government’s $10.3 million commitment in last year’s budget will support the council to lead nine projects and help implement other actions from the strategy.

Find out more and sign up to the Aged Care Voluntary Industry Code of Practice here.

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Tags: A Matter of Care, aged care industry workforce council, Aged Care Voluntary Industry Code of Practice, consumers, minister for aged care services, Richard Colbeck, voluntary code,

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