Aged care is changing: Older Aussies to benefit from new care standards

As the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues, older Australians who access care services across the country are set to benefit from new industry standards and a consumer-first charter of rights which come into effect tomorrow.

The new Aged Care Quality Standards and Charter of Rights are both set to launch on July 1, with the aim of ensuring that all those who receive aged care across the country are treated with dignity and respect.

The new set of standards will replace several existing guidelines, including the Accreditation Standards, Home Care Standards, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program Quality Framework Standards and Transition Care Standards.

“The new Standards require aged care providers to work with each consumer to plan and deliver safe, quality care that is shaped by the consumer’s individual needs, goals and preferences,” a spokesperson for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission said in a statement.

“Within the broad parameters of the new Standards, providers have scope to innovate in delivering best practice care and services for their consumers.”

The standards are comprised of eight points which are designed to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of older Australians.

These include allowing consumers to offer feedback and complaints openly, as well as the right to exercise choice and independence when it comes to making decisions about care, along with the expectation to be treated with respect and having the right to privacy.

Read more: Aussie aged care facilities lacking when it comes to medical care

Speaking ahead of the changes, COTA Australia Chief Executive Ian Yates said the new standards and charter will “put consumers at the heart of aged care, as they should be”.

He added: “Older Australians have the right to be treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of their lives in aged care, whether it’s having great meals that are nutritious and enjoyable, having more control and ongoing consultation over their services; and being free from the inappropriate use of physical and chemical restraints.

“Aged care providers have had plenty of time to prepare for the introduction of these standards. There are no excuses for not meeting the standards or failing to consult with and respect older Australians in the matter of their own care.”

To find out more about the changes, click here to visit the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website.

Were you aware of these changes? Have you been following the Aged Care Royal Commission?

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