Inform guidance for new standards

The aged care regulatory body is requesting feedback on its draft guidance resources developed to help providers and other stakeholders understand the incoming strengthened quality standards.

Released online in December, the draft standards are due to come into play on 1 July this year.

“Hearing from people directly involved in providing and receiving  aged care is crucial to help us develop guidance that is fit-for-purpose,” said the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in a callout email. “We welcome input from anyone who has experience of the aged care sector.”

Informed through consultation with industry stakeholders in 2022 and piloted by 40 providers in 2023, the strengthened quality standards have been designed to improve outcomes for older people, particularly in relation to choice, inclusion and quality of life.

Providers, workers and care recipients are encouraged to download and read the guidance documents for each strengthened quality standard:

• Standard 1 – The Person
• Standard 2 – The Organisation
• Standard 3 – Care and Services
• Standard 4 – The Environment
• Standard 5 – Clinical Care
• Standard 6 – Food and Nutrition
• Standard 7 – The Residential Community

Other documents to download for review include:

• the draft audit methodology
• an evidence mapping framework
• guidance for aged care workers
• a pre-audit preparation tool
• a request for information template category 4 & 5
• a request for information template category 6
• a glossary.

“We are particularly interested to hear about information you think is missing or that needs further explanation,” says the commission. “Your feedback will help us to produce resources that are easy-to-understand and support the delivery of quality, person-centred aged care.”

Additional draft resources will be available shortly specifically aimed at older people receiving care and their representatives.

Participants can access the draft guidance feedback survey here.

Once the feedback on the resources has been received and reviewed the commission will:

• consolidate responses
• provide a summary of the feedback received
• provide updates on the changes it makes because of the feedback.

The consultation period closes at midday AEST on 30 April.

Comment on the story below. Follow Australian Ageing Agenda on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and Facebook, sign up to our twice-weekly newsletter and subscribe to our premium content or AAA magazine for the complete aged care picture.