Support workers providing aged care services are expected to deliver safe, respectful and professional support to older Australians. Understanding the Aged Care Quality Standards and the Aged Care Code of Conduct helps workers provide care that protects client wellbeing, dignity and rights.
This guide explains what the aged care standards and code of conduct are, why they matter and what independent support workers on Careseekers should understand when supporting aged care clients.
What Are the Aged Care Quality Standards?
The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of expectations designed to improve the quality and safety of aged care services in Australia.
The standards focus on helping older Australians receive care that is:
- safe
- respectful
- person-centred
- culturally appropriate
- responsive to individual needs
The standards apply across the aged care sector and guide how services should be delivered.
What Is the Aged Care Code of Conduct?
The Aged Care Quality Standards outlines the behaviours and professional expectations for people working in aged care.
The code is designed to help protect older Australians by promoting:
- respectful behaviour
- safe care practices
- professionalism
- ethical conduct
- accountability
Independent support workers are expected to behave professionally and treat clients with dignity and respect at all times.
Why Are the Standards and Code of Conduct Important?
The standards and code of conduct help create safer care environments for older Australians.
They support:
- client rights
- quality care
- professional behaviour
- safety and wellbeing
- trust between workers and clients
Understanding these expectations is an important part of working with aged care clients.
What Do the Aged Care Standards Focus On?
The standards focus on several important areas of care and support.
These include:
- respecting client dignity and choice
- ongoing assessment and planning
- safe and effective support
- communication and feedback
- organisational responsibility and accountability
Independent support workers contribute to these outcomes through their daily interactions with clients.
What Does Person-Centred Care Mean?
Person-centred care means supporting clients in a way that respects:
- their preferences
- independence
- choices
- culture
- values
- goals
Workers should support clients as individuals rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Examples of person-centred care may include:
- respecting routines and preferences
- supporting client decision-making
- communicating respectfully
- encouraging independence where appropriate
What Behaviours Are Expected From Support Workers?
Independent support workers are expected to behave professionally and respectfully at all times.
This includes:
- treating clients with dignity
- respecting privacy and confidentiality
- communicating appropriately
- maintaining professional boundaries
- supporting client safety
- acting honestly and ethically
Workers should also avoid behaviour that could place clients at risk.
What Is Not Acceptable Behaviour?
Examples of unacceptable behaviour may include:
- abuse or neglect
- bullying or intimidation
- discrimination
- inappropriate restraint
- financial exploitation
- breaching client privacy
- aggressive or threatening conduct
Workers should report serious concerns or incidents appropriately.
How Do the Standards Relate to Support at Home?
Support at Home is Australia’s aged care support system for older Australians receiving care at home.
Workers supporting Support at Home clients should understand aged care standards and conduct expectations when delivering services.
What Training Do Careseekers Workers Complete?
Independent support workers on Careseekers supporting aged care clients complete onboarding and training modules related to:
- aged care standards
- the code of conduct
- infection control
- SIRS
- abuse, neglect and exploitation
These training modules help workers understand professional expectations and client safety responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Aged Care Quality Standards?
The Aged Care Quality Standards are expectations designed to improve the quality and safety of aged care services in Australia.
What Is the Aged Care Code of Conduct?
The code of conduct outlines the professional behaviours and responsibilities expected of people working in aged care.
Why Are the Aged Care Standards Important?
The standards help protect older Australians and promote safe, respectful and high-quality care.
What Does Person-Centred Care Mean?
Person-centred care means respecting a client’s preferences, independence, values and choices when delivering support.
What Behaviour Is Expected From Support Workers?
Workers are expected to behave professionally, communicate respectfully and support client dignity and safety.
What Should Workers Do if They Witness Abuse or Neglect?
Workers should follow appropriate reporting and escalation processes and prioritise the client’s immediate safety.
Do Careseekers Workers Complete Aged Care Training?
Yes. Workers supporting aged care clients complete onboarding and training related to aged care standards and professional responsibilities.
Is the Aged Care System the Same as the NDIS?
No. Aged care and the NDIS are separate systems with different rules, standards and regulatory frameworks.
Read: Understanding Support at Home for Care and Support Workers
Read: Introduction to SIRS for Support Workers
Register To Become An Independent Care & Support Worker With Careseekers
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