Understanding the accreditation process

Aged care staff and management will gain a better understanding of the accreditation process – from self assessment to audits and effective communication with residents – through a course offered to members of a peak aged care body.

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency (ACSAA) has now joined forces with
industry associations in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory to
offer the Understanding Accreditation course to its members.

ACSAA previously partnered with Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA) Victoria to deliver the course.

Accreditation agency chief executive, Mark Brandon, said working with industry associations
to deliver education and training was an ideal way of reaching a broader audience.

“The more people that do this course, the better – for staff, management and for
residents,” Mr Brandon said. “It means we are all on the same page…. and that leads to a
united focus on quality,” he added.

Previously the Understanding Accreditation: a practical toolkit for homes course was
organised and run by ACSAA. The course will now be hosted and promoted by the industry associations – while it is still being facilitated by accreditation agency trainers.

The course will be hosted by:

• LASA Victoria
• LASA NSW and Aged Care Services (ACS) NSW
• LASA Queensland
• LASA SA/NT and Aged Care Services (ACS) SA

“Having a better understanding of accreditation – from self-assessment to audits,
continuous improvement and effective communication with residents – means we are all on the same page…. and that leads to a united focus on quality,” Mr Brandon said.

“By working together to promote and run this important course – we can help make that
happen,” he said.

LASA Victoria chief executive, John Begg, said: “Since July 2010, LASA Victoria has enjoyed a successful partnership with the agency, one that has enabled 293 participants across 101 organisations to complete the Understanding Accreditation course.”

LASA NSW/ACT chief executive, Charles Wurf, added the course was an opportunity for
providers and their staff to have a greater understanding of the accreditation process.

“Our providers work hard to comply with, and exceed the standards, and any assistance or
opportunity for greater awareness is welcome.

“We look forward to working with the accreditation agency to provide these courses and
encourage those who are interested to attend in the first half of next year,” Mr Wurf said.

LASA SA chief executive, Paul Carberry, said: “A thorough understanding of the
accreditation standards and assessment methodology are essential for staff directly
involved in the process, and very useful knowledge for all aged care staff, whatever their
role.

The course is run by facilitators from the accreditation agency to ensure those enrolled
gain an “insider’s view” of the accreditation process.

The accreditation agency will continue to run courses for organisations that prefer an ‘in
house’ approach.

ACSAA is an internationally recognised accreditation body focused on promoting high quality care.