Scheme ‘key’ to quality retirement

The International Retirement Community Accreditation Scheme (IRCAS) has been launched by Australia’s leading age services peak bodies.

The new Scheme, launched by Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA), LASA Queensland and Aged and Community Services Australia, may help to provide the “key to quality retirement village living” for older Australians.

The IRCAS Standards will provide village owners and operators with a framework for quality improvement and risk management, ensuring Australian retirement villages are at the forefront of retirement living internationally.

Nick Ryan, IRCAS chairman, said retirement villages were a soughtafter living option for Australia’s ageing population.

“With the increasing numbers of older Australians moving to a retirement village to live safely and receive care and support, there is a clear need to implement an independent industryfocused scheme to ensure the best outcomes for residents and the wider community,” Mr Ryan said.

His comments were strongly supported by former LASA chief executive, Gerard Mansour, and John Kelly, ACSA chief executive.

Villages that have achieved accreditation against the IRCAS Standards are able to demonstrate that appropriate facilities are in place to ensure residents can access services and amenities which positively impact their health, wellbeing and lifestyle.

Quality in Practice (QIP) will deliver the accreditation Scheme to retirement villages across Australia.

Dr Stephen Clark, QIP and Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) group chief executive, said QIP was pleased to provide independent assessment against leading industry Standards, such as the IRCAS Standards.

“Retirement village accreditation will demonstrate that participating villages are providing safe and quality living environments for residents, whilst working within state, or territory, legislation.

“QIP’s long standing reputation as an experienced, independent accreditation provider will give residents confidence that their village operates within good governance structures and gives assurance that the village operates effectively. 

“We have received significant interest and inquiries from retirement village across Australia, with many villages already choosing to commence the accreditation process against the IRCAS Standards,” Dr Clark said.

Retirement villages can now register for IRCAS accreditation by contacting QIP on 1300 888 329, or by visiting the QIP website.