The team behind Aged Care Essentials has developed a series of Mapping Matrix tools for each of the new Aged Care Quality Standards. In Part 1 of this article series, learn more about what needs to be done prior to July 1 and download the Mapping Matrix tool for Standard 1.
As July 1 draws closer, an ever-increasing priority for each Aged Care Provider and Manager is ensuring compliance with the new Aged Care Quality Standards. In the lead up to this transition, several key actions are recommended to ensure that each Home is prepared for the changes ahead and to make certain that the organisation’s systems, policies and practices are aligned with the new Aged Care Quality Standards.
What needs to be done?
1. Evaluate your current systems and practices.
This needs to be completed against the new Aged Care Quality Standards and can be achieved by considering the current accreditation standards and outcomes and comparing these with the requirements and outcomes that must be evidenced to the new Standards.
To assist with this process, undertake a self-assessment to complete the evaluation and identify any areas for improvement. This process will also inform you what is working and will support the requirements of the new Standards.
A self-assessment tool is available at: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resources/self-assessment-tool-aged-care-quality-standards
2. Identify and address areas for improvement.
After completing the self-assessment, the areas for improvement that need to be implemented will be evident to ensure that the new Aged Care Quality Standards are met by your organisation. To assist you with planning and implementing the required improvements, as well as to prioritise this work, the continuous improvement (CI) plan should be used.
This is available at: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resources/plan-continuous-improvement-pci
3. Involve staff
The workforce, together with their knowledge and skills, are your most valuable asset throughout this process. Through supporting staff to understand the new Aged Care Quality Standards and the requirements that need to be met, the changes that need to be made to support safe and quality care for residents can be achieved together.
4. Provide information to support the understanding of residents
This is essential not only for residents but also their families, carers and representatives. Information should include explaining the new Aged Care Quality Standards and what the changes mean for them. The resident is the centre of this change process and it is essential that they are informed, and their participation supported to ensure quality of care and services are achieved.
The team behind Aged Care Essentials have developed a series of Mapping Matrix tools for each of the new Aged Care Quality Standards.
These tools map the old Accreditation Standards to the new Aged Care Quality Standards, allowing you to evaluate your current systems and practices systematically.
The developed Mapping Matrix tools highlight the new requirements, and these can be used to plan the required continuous improvement for your Aged Care Home. These resources will support you in meeting both consumer and organisation outcomes for each of the Standards. Areas requiring continuous improvement may include new policies, changed staff practices, identified training needs and quality assurance initiatives.
A Mapping Matrix tool has been developed for each of the eight standards of the new Aged Care Quality Standards and will be published on Aged Care Essentials over the next two weeks.
Be sure to subscribe to Aged Care Essentials to receive subsequent Mapping Matrix tools for the other Standards, as soon as they are published.
Click here to download the Mapping Matrix tool for Standard 1.