Take innovative approaches with the right tools to meet Quality Standards accreditation

Australia’s ageing population and its growing expectations for quality aged care services will have far-reaching impacts on service providers.

While the number of people aged 65 years and over is projected to increase from 16% (2020) to 23% by 2066¹, many older people remain in good health. They continue to do paid and volunteer work well beyond retirement age, live independently and contribute socially and economically to our community.

However, an ageing population brings increased financial and social challenges, puts pressure on healthcare services, and impacts carer wellbeing.

More people are also likely to need home care or residential aged care services, in turn, creating challenges for care and nursing staff — the number of Australians expected to use aged care services is estimated to almost triple to 3.5 million by 2050².

Having the right tools and resources to deliver safe, quality care and services for aged care residents are therefore critical for providers to meet the Quality and Safety Commission Quality Standards.

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) has developed two evidence-based manuals that are aligned to the Quality Standards to ensure service providers deliver consumer focused outcomes and level of care that reflects community expectations. JBI is one of the world’s leading evidence-based practice organisations which has been developing updated resources for the Australian aged care sector since the early 2000s.

The Carers Manual is designed to meet carer workforce training and knowledge needs, and aligns with Standards 1 and 3. It supports providers to:

• Fill the gaps in standard of care and meet accreditation requirements.
• Easily train aged care workers and inform them of procedures for consistent, safe, quality care.
• Assist aged care workers with ongoing assessment and planning.

This manual includes 27 procedures that focus on dignity and respect for inclusion, privacy and informed choices as a co-participant in care planning and delivery while supporting residents with fundamental care needs.

It also reflects consumer expectations for culturally appropriate, safe quality care and services that meet the rigorous Quality Standards to improve patient outcomes.

The Aged Care Practice Manual complements and extends from the Carers Manual. It is an advanced resource for care and therapeutics that helps staff deliver safe, effective personal and clinical care that:

• Is best practice and tailored to individuals’ needs.
• Optimises health and wellbeing at your institution.
• Fills the gaps in your standard of care and meets accreditation requirements.

This advanced manual has been developed by Nursing Directors, public and private sector experts and safety and quality representatives. It includes evidence for advanced care needs that align strongly with Standards 1, 2 and 3.

Procedures reflect the complexity of care needs due to serious medical illnesses, chronic diseases, and increasing acuity. Each recommended practice includes requirements for consumer education, advice and informed consent.

Practice Manual supports aged care providers to partner with consumers in ongoing assessment and planning that helps them get the care and services needed for their health and wellbeing. It features 123 procedures that reflect the complexity of care needs due to serious medical illnesses, chronic diseases, and increasing acuity.

Aged care providers can take innovative approaches to deliver quality services to consumers with the right tools and a system for continuous improvement to meet accreditation requirements, resulting in better pricing for services and attracting higher-paid qualified staff.

For more information

Wolters Kluwer

Visit https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en-au/know/jbi-manual-practice

Or

https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en-au/know/jbi-manual-carer

^References:

^{1 www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/demographic-profile
2 about.healthdirect.gov.au/my-aged-care}

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