AGED CARE

Standard 3.9 Choice and Decision Making

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Concept of consumer participation1

Standard 3.9 Choice and Decision making2

Important considerations3

Complaint system4

Barriers in the implementation of standard 3.9 Choice and decision making5

Continuous quality improvement framework6

Conclusion6

Reference7

Standard 3.9 Choice and Decision Making

Introduction

As a Registered Nurse and project worker, i am responsible for assisting the Quality control manager in meeting the accreditation requirements in the coming months. The Australian Department of Health (2011) has given guidelines for residential aged care service. The purpose of these guidelines is to improve the service being provided to the elderly in Australia and bring standardization to the healthcare service. It is important to understand that when an older person moves to a resident aged care service, it is difficult for him to adjust to the new environment. This difficulty in adjustment calls for support from the aged care facility staff. This support is essential for the physical and mental well being of the new aged care service receiver. The underlying objective of the resident aged care facility guidelines, is to ensure the independence of the service user where they are able to make decisions for themselves and maintain their lifestyle as per their own preference.

There are four standards that make part of the guidelines. These standards have been subdivided into other factors that associate with the fundamental standard. The case study deals with the implementation of standard 3 which contains the standard on choice and decision making.

Concept of consumer participation

In order to implement the standard 3.9 on choice and decision making, it is important to first brief the aged care facility staff on the concept of consumer participation. The standard has to be applied by the staff. Hence, it makes unmistakable sense that they should not be aware that the implementation of standard goes beyond just accreditation. It is something that is essential for the well being of all the aged health care service users. For this purpose, all employees in the aged care service whether they have direct or indirect relation to the implementation of choice and decision making standard will be provided a three day comprehensive training on the Standards and Guidelines for Residential Aged Care Services Manual with focus on standard 3.9 on choice and decision making (Hewitt 2010, p. 2). The aim of this research will be to increase the understanding of aged care facility staff on the standard and also take their suggestions and feedback on the implementation of the standard. The participants in the training program will be taken on board and will be making a vital part in the implementation of standard 3.9 choice and decision making.

Their feedback will also help the facility in identifying the potential barriers or difficulties that the aged care facility staff may face in the implementation of the standard.

Standard 3.9 Choice and Decision making

The expected outcome of the standard on choice and decision making is an aged facility environment where each service user has the right to make decisions about ...