Being prepared
How can a residential aged care home be prepared for any type of visit?
The best way to prepare for a visit is to ensure the residential aged care home is confident it provides care and services to residents according to the Accreditation Standards. This means the residential aged care home is not creating and maintaining systems for accreditation, but for the benefit of residents. This in turn reflects a resident focus.
Residential aged care homes should be prepared to “show-off” during a visit. This means not just showing how the residential aged care home complies with the Accreditation Standards, but also how it goes beyond compliance to enhance the lives of its residents. This also includes demonstrating any recent improvements.
If deficiencies are identified, these should not be regarded negatively. Staff should be encouraged to treat information on deficiencies as an opportunity to improve the care and services provided to residents.
Are residents involved?
Residents and representatives are actively encouraged to contribute to the accreditation process. More information on resident involvement.
How can staff be involved?
Staff of residential aged care homes should be provided with information on accreditation to prepare them for what to expect, and to therefore calm any nerves.
Staff are important during visits. They can provide assessors with information on how they ensure care and services to residents is provided. Information provided by staff during interviews and demonstration of documentation and other practices, gives the assessment team information for corroborating processes and results.
What other information is available?
Other information sheets provide information on how to be prepared. These include:
Agency tools may also assist and we regularly identify useful websites. These contain information and guidelines on a variety of issues relating to the Accreditation Standards.
