Customers have always been at the heart of what Uniting AgeWell does. And when new Federal Government accreditation standards come into effect in July, the needs of customers will be in even greater focus.
New single quality standards covering all residential and community services – known as the Aged Care Quality Standards – will be in place from 1 July 2019.
They replace the four sets of standards now covering residential care, home care, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care program and transition care.
The new standards require aged care providers to focus on enablement and independence, customer choice and partnerships, care and services based on evidence/best practice, and cultural diversity.
The Government hopes the new standards will encourage innovation and excellence in care, resulting in great outcomes for customers.
Uniting AgeWell Quality Manager Ruth Baxter has been working to ensure Uniting AgeWell is well prepared for the new standards.
“Uniting AgeWell has always delivered a high standard of care and services. This will continue and get better through the new standards and unannounced auditing,” she said.
Our goal is for great care all day, every day, aiming to provide greater assurance for our customers.
Ruth said the new standards would better meet the needs and expectations of seniors, enabling them to participate in decision-making, owning their care and services, supporting good health and improving quality of life and wellbeing.
“Single standards across programs should also result in a seamless journey from home to residential care if needed - and more opportunities to stay at home and receive very high care,” she said.