In recent years, there have been significant changes in aged care to ensure better quality care and support for older Australians. The Aged Care Quality Standards are being strengthened as part of the proposed new Aged Care Act and regulatory model.

Let’s delve into the specifics of these standards and what they mean for Juniper customers.

What are the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards?

The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, as outlined in the Australian Government’s final draft released in November 2023, set out the expectations for aged care providers in delivering high-quality care and services to their customers.

These standards encompass various domains, ensuring a comprehensive approach to quality care. Some key highlights include:

1. Enhanced focus on consumer rights and choice: The new standards place a stronger emphasis on empowering customers to exercise their rights and make informed choices about their care and services.
2. Greater emphasis on dignity and respect: There is increased attention given to promoting and maintaining the dignity and respect of customers receiving aged care services, ensuring they are treated with kindness, compassion, and understanding.
3. Improved governance and accountability: The standards require Juniper to have robust governance systems in place to ensure accountability for the quality and safety of care provided. This includes effective management practices, clear lines of responsibility and a continuous improvement process.
4. Strengthened clinical care and support: There is a heightened focus on ensuring clinical care and services are tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of customers, with an emphasis on promoting their health, well-being, and independence.
5. Food, nutrition and the residential community: The new strengthened standards have an emphasis on the dining experience and nutritional requirements for residential customers, as well as requirements to ensure customers participate in a rich community experience.

What do the strengthened standards mean for you?

For our older customers and their families, the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards bring several significant implications:

1. Consultation and feedback: Juniper will seek input from older customers and their families through consultations, surveys, and feedback to understand their needs, preferences, and concerns regarding the quality of care and services.
2. Participation in care planning: Older customers will be involved in the development of their care plans, ensuring their individual goals, preferences, and priorities are considered and incorporated into their care and support services.
3. Customer and family forums: Juniper may establish resident and family councils to provide a platform for customers and their families to voice their opinions, share feedback, and participate in decision-making processes related to facility operations and quality improvement initiatives.
4. Education and information: Juniper will provide older Australians with educational resources and information about their rights, choices, and the new quality standards to empower them to make informed decisions about their care and advocate for their needs.
5. Ongoing communication and engagement: Juniper will keep older customers and their families informed about any changes, updates, or improvements in the quality of care and services, and actively seeking their input and involvement in decision-making processes. By engaging older customers in the process, Juniper can ensure the implementation of the new quality standards is person-centered, responsive to their needs and preferences, and ultimately enhances their quality of life and well-being.

The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards represent a significant step forward in improving the quality of aged care services in Australia. For customers, these standards offer assurance of receiving high-quality, person-centered care that respects their dignity, autonomy, and preferences.

By prioritising transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, the standards aim to enhance the overall experience and outcomes for older customers accessing aged care services.

For more information on the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, you can visit the Australian Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.