What is accreditation?

Accreditation is about ensuring aged care facilities meet a set of Accreditation Standards, set by the Commonwealth Government.

Specially qualified aged care assessors visit a home and speak with staff, management, residents and their families, to determine whether the home meets all the Accreditation Standards and expected outcomes. The Agency then makes a decision about how long a home is accredited.

Homes assessed as complying with all 44 expected outcomes and with a good track record of compliance and continuous improvement generally can expect three years' accredication. Otherwise, shorter periods of accreditation are considered appropriate. Homes with major or persistent non-compliance may receive shorter periods of accreditation or have their accreditation reduced. Accreditation may be refused or revoked where non-compliance is not remedied and there is a risk to residents' health, safety and well being.

Even after a home receives accreditation, the Agency continues to monitor homes to ensure residents continue to receive a high level of care and that all standards continue to be met.

Homes must also show to the Agency that they regularly seek feedback from staff, residents and their families, and look at ways they can improve.

For more detailed information, click on "For homes" under Accreditation in the left hand menu.