The implementation of the new national Standards and Charter is one of the most significant changes to the sector since the introduction of the Aged Care Act in 1997.

Eldercare has welcomed the Australian Government’s reforms with Chief Executive Jane Pickering saying the new Standards align more closely with addressing individual care needs and helping each consumer live the life they choose.

From today, the independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will assess and monitor all aged care providers, who deliver residential care, day therapy and home care services, against eight new Standards relating to:

1. consumer dignity and choice
2. ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
3. personal care and clinical care
4. services and supports for daily living
5. the organisation’s service environment
6. feedback and complaints
7. human resources
8. organisational governance

Jane said Eldercare’s ongoing commitment to providing care that nurtured each individual’s mind, body and spirit ‘reflected the essence’ of the new Standards.

“The consumer focus of the new Standards is a positive change for aged care and Eldercare is committed to maintaining full accreditation with the Commission by continuing to embed a strong compliance program across the organisation.”

The introduction of the Standards corresponds with the launch of the Charter of Aged Care Rights which together form part of the Australian Government’s Single Aged Care Quality Framework.

The new Charter has been simplified so that residential care, day therapy and home care consumers, and their representatives, understand their rights in relation to the care they receive and what to expect from their provider.

It identifies 14 specific consumer rights such as the need for maintaining privacy, supporting independence and valuing diversity.

Eldercare Risk, Quality and Compliance Manager Chris Hunt said that the organisation had incorporated the new rights into the way it operates its services.

“We will be working closely with our consumers, and their representatives, in coming months to explain the new Charter and ensure they are fully aware of their rights at Eldercare.

“We will also be encouraging residents and clients to engage in ongoing conversations with us about our performance and to share their needs, wants and aspirations so we can help them achieve optimal health and wellbeing and deliver peace of mind.”

Read more about the Charter of Aged Care Rights, Aged Care Quality Standards and the Single Aged Care Quality Framework.