{"id":17264,"date":"2025-05-20T04:24:47","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T04:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitorsforagedcare.com.au\/?page_id=17264"},"modified":"2025-09-17T04:28:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T04:28:21","slug":"aged-care-quality-standards-acvvs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitorsforagedcare.com.au\/?page_id=17264","title":{"rendered":"Aged Care Quality Standards & ACVVS"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\tSupporting the New Aged Care Quality
Standards and Star Ratings with the
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Australia\u2019s aged care sector is about to undergo a significant shift. From 1 November 2025, all residential aged care services must meet the new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards\u2014a framework built to enhance safety, dignity, and quality of life for older Australians.<\/p>

For Lifestyle Coordinators, this is more than a compliance exercise. It\u2019s a chance to rethink how we build meaningful, person-centred experiences in aged care. One of the simplest, most effective tools to support this change? The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Understanding the New Standards:
<\/strong>The updated standards, introduced in response to recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission, focus on seven key areas:<\/p>

  1. The Person<\/strong> \u2013 Upholding identity, dignity, and personal choice<\/li>
  2. The Organisation<\/strong> \u2013 Strong governance and leadership<\/li>
  3. Care and Services<\/strong> \u2013 Safe, personalised, and holistic care<\/li>
  4. The Environment<\/strong> \u2013 Safe, clean, and homely living spaces<\/li>
  5. Clinical Care<\/strong> \u2013 Quality, evidence-based clinical services<\/li>
  6. Food and Nutrition<\/strong> \u2013 Nutritious, enjoyable, and culturally appropriate meals<\/li>
  7. The Residential Community<\/strong> \u2013 Building a sense of community and social inclusion<\/li><\/ol>

    The standards place a clear emphasis on person centred care, resident autonomy, and emotional wellbeing\u2014areas where Lifestyle Coordinators play a critical role.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    How ACVVS Helps Meet Key Standards:
    <\/strong>The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is a government-funded program that connects aged care residents with trained volunteers for regular one-on-one social visits. These interactions are casual, friendly, and meaningful focused on conversation, shared hobbies, or simply spending time together.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Here\u2019s how ACVVS aligns with three of the most relevant new standards:<\/strong><\/p>

    Standard 1: The Person
    <\/strong>The program matches volunteers with residents based on shared language, culture, or interests. Visits are tailored to the individual, supporting their identity, history, and personal preferences. This reinforces dignity, choice, and a person-centred approach.<\/p>

    Standard 3: Care and Services
    <\/strong>While not clinical in nature, volunteer visits support emotional and psychological wellbeing\u2014crucial aspects of holistic care. Volunteers help lift mood, reduce isolation, and increase participation in daily life.<\/p>

    Standard 7: The Residential Community
    <\/strong>ACVVS brings the outside world in, connecting residents to their broader community. This fosters inclusion, reduces feelings of institutionalisation, and promotes a sense of belonging within the care home.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Supporting Star Ratings and Continuous Improvement:
    <\/strong>The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme can also contribute to your home\u2019s Star Ratings on My Aged Care<\/em>, especially in the areas of Resident Experience and Compliance. Residents who receive regular visits often report feeling more connected, valued, and satisfied with their care.<\/p>

    As part of your Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts, ACVVS offers a simple, free initiative that fits naturally into the Plan-Do-Study framework:<\/p>