HammondCare strongly supports the Government's proposal to strengthen Aged Care Quality Standards as part of its direct response to findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care. 

How are we preparing for stronger Aged Care Quality Standards?

Our highest priority is the health, wellbeing and quality of life for people we support through aged care. That's why we not only welcome the changes, but are actively preparing for the strengthened Standards, with a comprehensive review led by Chief Risk Officer Angela Sacks and her Quality, Safety and Risk team.

The good news is that in many cases, we already go above and beyond the Standards, as they align with our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of care for residents, clients and their families.

What are the Aged Care Quality Standards?

The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of rules and guidelines published by the government regulator that uphold quality in care and services for older Australians and their families - providing a shared understanding of the level of care and services expected from aged care providers.

The Standards must be followed by all government-funded aged care providers, and their implementation is assessed and monitored by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

There are a total of seven strengthened Standards under review, with each main area of care outlined below:

Standard 1 – The person

Central to all Standards, the key focus is on the individual receiving care: empowering choice, independence, and quality of life through person-centred care that promotes dignity, respect, and privacy.

Standard 2 – The organisation

Standard 2 outlines the expectations of providers to meet the benchmark set by the regulator while they perform their service, in areas such as quality, risk, emergency and incident management, workforce planning and communication. 

Standard 3 – The care and services

This Standard outlines the actual way care should be delivered by the organisation, including assessment, planning, and coordination.

Standard 4 – The environment

Standard 4 is to ensure the physical environment in which the care is provided is clean and safe and meets the needs of the individual.

Standard 5 – Clinical care

Emphasises the responsibility of each provider to deliver safe and quality care, through a clinical governance framework or structure. Dementia care, palliative care and end-of-life care are included in this Standard.

Standard 6 – Food and nutrition

Standard 6 focuses on the importance of food and nutrition and how they impact quality of life for older people, and promoting a more inclusive and supportive dining experience that allows personal choice and preference.  

Standard 7 – The residential community

This Standard ensures older people are provided with opportunities to remain connected to their community and maintain a sense of purpose through engaging activities, including activities that would be a normal part of life.

What are the changes?

Based on feedback provided by stakeholders across the aged care sector, the revised Standards are now easier to understand, relevant to more aged care services, more measurable and easier to put in place.

Who made the changes?

Three government agencies* have been involved in developing the Strengthened Standards, working in consultation with older people, their families, and aged care providers. The revised Standards were piloted by 40 providers in 2023 and the final draft was released at the end of last year.

What do these changes mean for older Australians?

These important changes are being implemented to further ensure:

• older Australians are supported with respect, care and dignity
• there is increased protection, empowered choice and clarified expectations
• continuous improvement in all aspects of care.

Read more about these changes here:

*Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.