The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) has appointed AHA, in partnership with Yaran Business Services, to develop a Quality Framework that is culturally appropriate for Flexible Aged Care services. These services are outside the Aged Care Act 1997, which oversees nursing home standards in Australia.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program funds 29 services, currently supporting about 700 people, mainly in rural and remote areas. A mix of residential and community aged care services can be provided. A flexible approach to funding allows services to modify the type of aged care services they provide according to the ageing needs of their local communities.
This helps ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access culturally appropriate aged care services as close as possible to their communities. Communities are encouraged to participate in every aspect of service provision, from the planning stages through to the operation of the services.
This project will develop an independent Quality Framework for the Flexible Aged Care Program and will establish a baseline set of quality standards for the provision of care related services to aged care recipients. Quality assurance monitoring will be based on the Framework and will help service providers to improve their services.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHSs) providers talk of needing to operate in two worlds if they are to be able to properly support the needs of older Aboriginal people. It is vital that the Framework strikes the right balance between cultural sensitivity and the health and welfare of Aboriginal people. It will also be critical to involve Aboriginal communities in planning the proposed quality measures and to avoid one-size-fits all solutions.
Further details are available at the
Minister for Ageing’s website