The new Act is the final ‘piece of the puzzle’ in the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety. We can now get on with the work of creating a new and better way of delivering aged care services that values the safety, dignity and respect of older people.
The new Aged Care Act responds to around 60 recommendations from the Royal Commission, introducing a Statement of Rights for older people, the Support at Home Program, and stronger powers for the regulator, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).
Coming into effect on 1 July this year, the new Act will deliver a range of improvements including a new regulatory model and strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards to ensure older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
Older people and their supporters will have a greater say and a more independent voice about the care and services they receive: this includes protections to speak up when they are not satisfied, and better equipping providers to handle complaints effectively.
Newly Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
The strengthened Standards come into effect on 1 July and major changes include:
- * 7 Standards (down from 8)
- * Introduction of a new Standard – Food and Nutrition, Standard 6
- * Strong focus on person-centred care and meeting the needs of older people with specific needs
- * Delivery of care that is culturally safe, trauma-aware and healing-informed
- * A focus on supporting and cultivating relationships and social connections
Department of Health and Aged Care (DHAC) recommendations
The DHAC recommends the following:
Learn more about the new Aged Care Act and what it means for you on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.
Get involved in the Aged Care Rules consultation:
Speak to your provider (us) about what they are doing to prepare for the new Aged Care Act.