Preparing for Reform: The Revised Quality Standards
Written by Katie Buddle, Sector Support Coordinator
The introduction of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards scheduled for July 2025 marks a significant moment for providers of in-home aged care. This briefing, drawing insights from the webinar session ‘Revised Quality Standards for Board Directors’ aims to provide board members, CEOs, executive teams, and other governance professionals with the knowledge and strategies to effectively navigate these upcoming changes. There are a number of questions at the end of this briefing to encourage discussion within the executive team and Board.
Facing Reform: Goals and Takeaways
Grasping the Reforms: Getting to grips with the reasons behind these reforms is key. The changes stem from recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighting the importance of governance, quality care, and safety standards. Human rights and the voices of consumers underpin these decisions and the work that needs to be done.
Time is of The Essence: With the new Act set to take effect in July 2025 organisations have less than a year to prepare for these reforms. It is crucial to start aligning to ensure compliance and readiness, especially as it has recently been confirmed that there is no grace period for providers once the new legislation commences (for further insight, read this article from Hello Leaders). Organisations must get started now, and kickstart their preparation efforts by evaluating where they are currently situated regarding the reforms; everyone is different, and the work will vary between organisations but everyone must reach the same strong outcomes. For guidance on how to comply with the strengthened Quality Standards, you can access a self-assessment tool here.
Stand Strong on Compliance: Attain peace of mind by establishing a strong compliance framework. Understand the elements of the Strengthened Aged Care Standards and their impact on governance practices at your organisation. It is key that you understand the role of leadership in ensuring compliance and enhancing quality, and stress the significance of governance frameworks that meet revised standards.
Cultivate Team Growth for Collective Achievement: It is important to establish and encourage a culture of progress and shared accomplishments throughout all levels of your organisation, as well as building team skills to fulfill heightened expectations for compliance, care and management. Ensure that continuous training opportunities are offered to workers on the Strengthened Aged Care Standards and maintain empathetic and responsive leadership. To strengthen working relationships and enhance teamwork and skills, consider holding regular team-building workshops or other opportunities for collective learning and growth. It is also important that leaders uphold a consistent, fair, and robust approach to performance evaluation, with clear goals and regular development for workers.
Embrace Quality to Improve Care: Recommendations from the commission have renewed focus on the quality of care for individuals with an emphasis on clinical care and safety. It is key that guidelines are implemented; areas of concern include dementia care and embedding diversity and inclusion.
Given the increasing emphasis on diversity in leadership and healthcare provision, board members are recommended to dedicate an agenda Item for discussion on the following questions:
How well prepared is your organization to meet the evolving standards?
What actions have been taken to align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission?
How effective are your current governance and risk management structures?
What additional support or training might be necessary to ensure compliance?
How are you promoting a culture of improvement among your organisation?
The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards mark a move towards quality and safety in aged care. By grasping the reforms, preparing diligently, and fostering an approach to governance and care, organisations can successfully navigate these changes. It is essential that providers take action now as there is less than a year left to adapt practices and ensure readiness for the July 2025 rollout.
Speaker: Cynthia Payne, Founder and Managing Director at Anchor Excellence.
Event Collaboration: This event was organised by Your Side Sector Support and Development team in partnership with Ku-ring-gai Council.