With less than six months until the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards take effect in Australia, Aged Care Providers must act to align their operations with the updated requirements, regardless of your position in the Accreditation/Registration cycle. These standards reflect a stronger focus on person-centred care, safety, and quality improvement, making preparation essential to ensure compliance and maintain high service standards.
We’ve had increased activity and enquiries from Providers who are now ready to commence their Gaps Analysis | Compliance Audits against the Current and Strengthened Standards to ensure they are on track to be ready for July 1.
Preparing for these changes is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s an opportunity to improve care, build trust, and create a stronger, more sustainable aged care system.
To support Providers in preparing for the Strengthened Standards, we have developed a step-by-step guide to help organisations get ready for the upcoming changes.
We’ve also made available a printable version of the checklist so that you can print and check off as you progress through your transition.
Download your Strengthened Standards Transition Checklist now
1. Be Up-To-Date on the Strengthened Standards
The first step is gaining a thorough understanding of the new standards. Providers should:
- Review Documentation: Ensure you have the most relevant information provided by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- Conduct a Gap Analysis: Compare current practices against the new requirements to pinpoint areas for improvement. This is vital in ensuring that you have a plan for Improvement and a timeline to ensure you are prepared for the July change
- A clear understanding of the standards and areas to improve is crucial to developing a robust compliance strategy and ensure that resources are available for success.
2. Engage the Team
Successfully implementing the new standards starts at the top:
- Leadership Buy-In: Ensure senior leaders champion the changes and allocate the necessary resources.
- Training Programs: Educate staff at all levels on the new standards and their role in meeting them. Focus on areas identified through the Gap Analysis.
- Foster a Positive Culture: Encourage a workplace culture that values safety, quality, and respect for individuals.
- Preferred Providers: Work with your providers to ensure that they are supporting the organisation in their compliance requirements.
3. Update Policies and Procedures
Organisational and Facility policies must align with the new standards:
- Revise Documentation: Update policies, procedures, and frameworks to reflect the changes.
- Strengthen Governance: Ensure your compliance framework supports effective monitoring and reporting.
- Work with your Preferred Providers: If using external policies and procedures, work with the provider to ensure documentation is timely and meets the needs of the organisation.
4. Focus on Core Areas
The new standards emphasise several key areas of care delivery:
- Person-Cantered Care: Develop systems to deliver tailored care based on individual needs, preferences, and cultural values.
- Clinical Governance: Strengthen systems for risk management, safety, and quality improvement.
- Workforce Capability: Ensure your workforce is well-trained, compassionate, and equipped to deliver exceptional care.
- Consumer Engagement: Actively involve residents and their families in care planning and decision-making.
5. Implement Quality Improvement Initiatives
Quality improvement is at the heart of the strengthened standards. Steps to take include:
- Conduct Audits: Regularly assess compliance through internal reviews.
- Enhance Feedback Systems: Make it easy for residents, families, and staff to provide input and act on their suggestions.
- Use Data Wisely: Leverage data to track outcomes and guide improvements.
6. Communicate the Changes
Transparency is a core tenant of the strengthened standards. Keeping an open dialogue with all stakeholders is vital when implementing change:
- Inform Residents and Families: Explain how the changes will enhance care and services.
- Engage Staff: Keep staff informed and involved throughout the transition process.
7. Test and Evaluate Readiness
Before the standards officially come into effect:
- Conduct Mock Assessments: Identify and address gaps in compliance.
- Test Systems and Responses: Use real-life scenarios to evaluate staff readiness and system effectiveness.
8. Seek Expert Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out for external assistance:
- Consultants and Advisors: Engage professionals to provide tailored guidance or additional resourcing to achieve planned goals.
- Collaborate with Peers: Share best practices with other providers to improve readiness.
9. Monitor and Adapt
Finally, remember that compliance is an ongoing process:
- Stay Updated: Regularly review updates from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
- Continuous Improvement: Treat the new standards as an opportunity to refine operations and deliver better outcomes.
The Road Ahead
The introduction of the New Aged Care Quality Standards marks a significant shift in Australia’s aged care sector. By acting now, organisations can ensure they are not only compliant but also poised to deliver care that meets the evolving needs of residents and their families.
Preparing for these changes is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s an opportunity to improve care, build trust, and create a stronger, more sustainable aged care system.
If you’d like any assistance in approaching these changes and how we can help or simply some insights on how others are tackling them – please feel free to book a meeting with us.
Download your Strengthened Standards Transition Checklist now
