Accreditation Standards

Standard 1 : Management systems, staffing and organisational development

Principle: Within the philosophy and level of care offered in the residential care service, management systems are responsive to the needs of residents, their representatives, staff and stakeholders, and the changing environment in which the service operates.

Intention of standard: This standard is intended to enhance the quality of performance under all accreditation standards, and should not be regarded as an end in itself. It provides opportunities for improvement in all aspects of service delivery and is pivotal to the achievement of overall quality.

Expected outcomes
1.1 Continuous improvement
The organisation actively pursues continuous improvement
1.2 Regulatory compliance
The organisation's management has systems in place to identify and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and guidelines
1.3 Education and staff development
Management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively
1.4 Comments and complaints
Each resident (or his or her representative) and other interested parties have access to internal and external complaints mechanisms
1.5 Planning and leadership
The organisation has documented the residential care service's vision, values, philosophy, objectives and commitment to quality throughout the service
1.6 Human resource management
There are appropriately skilled and qualified staff sufficient to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with these standards and the residential care service's philosophy and objectives
1.7 Inventory and equipment
Stocks of appropriate goods and equipment for quality service delivery are available
1.8 Information systems
Effective information management systems are in place
1.9 External services
All externally sourced services are provided in a way that meets the residential care service's needs and service quality goals

Standard 2: Health and personal care

Principle: Residents' physical and mental health will be promoted and achieved at the optimum level in partnership between each resident (or his or her representative) and the health care team.

Expected outcomes
2.1 Continuous improvement
The organisation actively pursues continuous improvement
2.2 Regulatory compliance
The organisation's management has systems in place to identify and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, and guidelines, about health and personal care
2.3 Education and staff development
Management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively
2.4 Clinical care
Residents receive appropriate clinical care
2.5 Specialised nursing care needs
Residents' specialised nursing care needs are identified and met by appropriately qualified nursing staff
2.6 Other health and related services
Residents are referred to appropriate health specialists in accordance with the resident's needs and preferences
2.7 Medication management
Residents' medication is managed safely and correctly
2.8 Pain management
All residents are as free as possible from pain
2.9 Palliative care
The comfort and dignity of terminally ill residents is maintained
2.10 Nutrition and hydration
Residents receive adequate nourishment and hydration
2.11 Skin care
Residents' skin integrity is consistent with their general health
2.12 Continence management
Residents' continence is managed effectively
2.13 Behavioural management
The needs of residents with challenging behaviours are managed effectively
2.14 Mobility, dexterity and rehabilitation
Optimum levels of mobility and dexterity are achieved for all residents
2.15 Oral and dental care
Residents' oral and dental health is maintained
2.16 Sensory loss
Residents' sensory losses are identified and managed effectively
2.17 Sleep
Residents are able to achieve natural sleep patterns 

Standard 3: Resident lifestyle

Principle: Residents retain their personal, civic, legal and consumer rights, and are assisted to achieve active control of their own lives within the residential care service and in the community.

Expected outcomes
3.1 Continuous improvement
The organisation actively pursues continuous improvement
3.2 Regulatory compliance
The organisation's management has systems in place to identify and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, and guidelines, about resident lifestyle
3.3 Education and staff development
Management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively
3.4 Emotional support
Each resident receives support in adjusting to life in the new environment and on an ongoing basis
3.5 Independence
Residents are assisted to achieve maximum independence, maintain friendships and participate in the life of the community within and outside the residential care service
3.6 Privacy and dignity
Each resident's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality is recognised and respected
3.7 Leisure interests and activities
Residents are encouraged and supported to participate in a wide range of interests and activities of interest to them
3.8 Cultural and spiritual life
Individual interests, customs, beliefs and cultural and ethnic backgrounds are valued and fostered
3.9 Choice and decision-making
Each resident (or his or her representative) participates in decisions about the services the resident receives, and is enabled to exercise choice and control over his or her lifestyle while not infringing on the rights of other people
3.10 Resident security of tenure and responsibilities
Residents have secure tenure within the residential care service, and understand their rights and responsibilities

Standard 4: Physical environment and safe systems

Principle: Residents live in a safe and comfortable environment that ensures the quality of life and welfare of residents, staff and visitors. 

Expected outcomes
4.1 Continuous improvement
The organisation actively pursues continuous improvement
4.2 Regulatory compliance
The organisation's management has systems in place to identify and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, and guidelines, about physical environment and safe systems
4.3 Education and staff development
Management and staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively
4.4 Living environment
Management of the residential care service is actively working to provide a safe and comfortable environment consistent with residents' care needs
4.5 Occupational health and safety
Management is actively working to provide a safe working environment that meets regulatory requirements
4.6 Fire, security and other emergencies
Management and staff are actively working to provide an environment and safe systems of work that minimise fire, security and emergency risks
4.7 Infection control
An effective infection control program
4.8 Catering, cleaning and laundry services
Hospitality services are provided in a way that enhances residents' quality of life and the staff's working environment