Aged Care Sector Performance Report: Key Insights from Quarter 3

The latest Aged Care Sector Performance Report for Quarter 3 has been released, bringing vital updates and insights into the state of aged care services. Here’s a detailed look at the findings:

High Compliance in Residential Care

One of the standout points from the report is the high compliance rate in residential care. A remarkable 84% of residential services audited for reaccreditation fully complied with all eight Quality Standards. Furthermore, over 91% of residential care services met the crucial responsibility of having at least one Registered Nurse (RN) on-site and on duty 24/7.

Improved Audit Practices

In a bid to enhance the quality of audits, the Commission has started including all services of a single provider in one audit. This holistic approach helps address risks from poor management systems and governance more effectively, ensuring a higher standard of care across the board.

Increased Quality Audits

The proactive stance of the Commission is evident in the significant increase in the number of quality audits. In Quarter 3, a total of 391 quality audits were conducted, a substantial rise from 118 in Quarter 2. This increase signifies a robust effort to monitor and improve the sector’s performance continually.

Areas of Concern: Low Compliance in Home Services

Despite the positive strides in residential care, the report highlights some troubling trends in home services. Only 64% of home services providers met all the requirements of the Quality Standards in Quarter 3, marking a decline of 7 percentage points since Q4 22–23. Compliance with Quality Standard 2 (Assessment and Planning) is particularly concerning, with over a quarter of audited providers failing at least one requirement.

Governance Issues

Governance remains a critical concern in both residential care and home services. Non-compliance with Quality Standard 8, which is linked to governance and leadership, continues to affect the quality and safety of care provided.

Persistent Complaints

Complaints about clinical issues in residential care and communication and financial issues in home services are still prevalent. Despite overall compliance with Quality Standard 4(3)(f) regarding food quality, food-related complaints are the fourth most common issue, appearing in 26% of complaints about residential aged care. Concerns about the number and sufficiency of staff persist, highlighting ongoing workforce challenges that need to be addressed.

Recommendations for Providers

Based on the findings, the report outlines several key recommendations for providers to enhance the quality of care and ensure compliance:

• Address Non-Compliance Proactively: Providers should use available data to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate to require Commission intervention.
• Improve Compliance with Quality Standards 2 and 8: Focus particularly on home services to ensure all standards are met.
• Enhance Governance and Leadership: Strengthen governance and leadership practices to improve overall care quality and safety. Utilize the Governing for Reform Program to support these improvements.
• Improve Communication and Documentation: Enhance communication and documentation practices to meet compliance requirements and reduce complaints, particularly related to Quality Standard 2.
• Focus on Workforce Development: Prioritise recruitment, training, and support for staff to ensure sufficient and well-trained personnel are available to meet care needs effectively.

For more detailed insights and to access the full Aged Care Sector Performance Report for Quarter 3, read the full document here. If you need help or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.