Aged Care Standards in Focus: Standard One – Consumer Dignity & Choice
Posted on July 1st, 2019
In this series of articles we look at the new aged care standards that commenced from 1st July 2019.
Starting with the first standard, also known as the Foundation Standard there are seven important concepts to remember:
- Dignity and respect
- Identity, culture and diversity
- Cultural safety
- Choice
- Dignity of risk
- Information
- Personal privacy
Standard 1: Consumer Dignity & Choice
As a client of a provider of care services I am treated with dignity, respect and can maintain my identity. I can make informed choices about my care and services, and live the life I choose.
CentacareCQ has a culture of inclusion and respect for consumers and supports consumers to exercise choice and independence respecting consumers’ privacy.
Intent of this requirement
People are all shaped by personal characteristics, experiences, values and beliefs. Aged care consumers have the same diversity of characteristics and life experiences as the rest of the community.
Each consumer has social, cultural, language, religious, spiritual, psychological and medical needs that affect the care, services and supports they need.
No two consumers’ lived experiences are the same. What is respectful or dignified for one consumer might not be for another. This means organisations need to take the time to listen to and understand each consumer’s personal experience. They need to work with consumers in an inclusive and respectful way, using a consumer-focused approach.
It’s important for an organisation to address diversity, whether or not a consumer has told them about their unique life experiences or characteristics. Using strategies to support the organisation’s commitment to diversity helps consumers to feel confident sharing their identity and helps the workforce to see them as a whole person.
Read more: Our Aged Care Services
CentacareCQ offers a wide range of aged care services across Central Queensland. These services are designed to assist and support people to live independently and safely in their homes for as long as possible.
Your feedback is important to us
Do you feel CentacareCQ has met, exceeded or fallen short of this standard?
Let us know by completing our feedback form.
Other stories
« Previous Story - Your rights and responsibilities
Posted on May 30th, 2019
CENTACARECQ recognises their clients have a right to be looked after properly, treated well and provided with high-quality care and…
Aged Care Standards in Focus: Standard Two – Ongoing Assessment & Planning with Clients - Next Story »
Posted on July 2nd, 2019
Following on from our article on standard one for the new aged care standards, here we look at Standard 2: Ongoing assessment and planning with clients.
