Insights
Insights into Aged Care Excellence
Aged Care Services: Education and Training Requirements Strengthened Standards 2024
Under Outcome 2.9 Human Resources Management, Registered Providers (Providers) will be required to ensure workers are provided with training and supervision to effectively perform their role. The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (SACQS) talk about ‘competency based’ training in relation to ‘core matters’ which Providers must deliver to all workers at a minimum.
Aged Care Governance Compliance Audits – a Preparation Roadmap to Success
Ensuring compliance with the strengthened governance requirements that were effective for existing aged care providers from 1 December 2023, is essential to oversighting the delivery of high-quality care to our elderly. Now the Commission is looking at governance with a closer eye in recent audits as these strengthened governance arrangements
Sector Performance Data and NEW Strengthened Standards and New Governance Audit Opportunities
We would like to share the latest trend summary for the Sector Performance data for July – September 2023. Staying on top of trends is essential for both the Commission and your organisation. By employing a risk-based approach, the Commission assessors have been directed to focus on areas of non-compliance that
Performing regular system review and making improvements
Article by Christine Grafitti, Senior Consultant The Commission has now confirmed in a recent webinar that the draft Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (SACQS), released in December 2023, will be the final version of the SACQS, with the exception of some minor word or phrasing changes. Where the SACQS apply,
NEW RESOURCES from the Commission – Strengthened Standards
Important update: This article was originally published in February 2024. The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards commenced on 1 November 2025. For current information, see our comprehensive guide to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. The Journey Begins. At CSS we are working with a number of providers to develop
CSS Education Programs: New Aged Care Act (Exposure Draft) and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
We are excited to announce a comprehensive training initiative that aims to equip your aged care service with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the new Aged Care Act (Exposure Draft) and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. 2024 is set to be another year of change with the
2024 Proposed Privacy Reforms
At Critical Success Solutions (CSS), we are committed to fostering a culture of transparency and privacy within the aged care sector. In our continued efforts to support aged care providers, we want to update you on recent developments and emphasise the importance of privacy management. At Critical Success Solutions (CSS),
Final Draft Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (SACQS)
Important update: This article was originally published in January 2024. The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards commenced on 1 November 2025. For current information, see our comprehensive guide to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. The Final Draft Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (SACQS) were released on 15 December 2023 and
26,000 hours in creating positive outcomes
2023 has represented another action packed year, with continual evolution in industry requirements and client needs. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on our year to date and find ourselves looking forward to another year of assisting providers to deliver high quality and sustainable care. 2024 is
Trauma Aware and Healing Informed Care training
Critical Success Solutions (CSS) have developed a unique training program that develops skills beyond the conventional aged care practices. Our Trauma Aware and Healing Informed Care Training is designed to empower Registered Nurses (RNs), Care Workers (CWs), and Lifestyle Team members in providing trauma informed care that aligns with the
Positive Duty Requirements training
A reminder that Australian Human Rights (AHR) Commission has new powers to investigate and enforce compliance with the ‘positive duty’ requirements. These powers will commence on 12 December 2023. The Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Cth) amended the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), introducing a positive duty on employers and persons
Qualifying Offshore Workers with a Certificate III in Individual Support
We would like to share how some of our clients in our network have harnessed training offered by Dynamic Learning Services (DLS) in conjunction with recruiting direct care workers from overseas to work in the aged care sector. Navigating the Changes in the Aged Care HR Landscape The Australian Federal Government has
The Crucial Role of the Whistleblower
Here at Critical Success Solutions (CSS) we understand the importance of whistleblowers and the preservation of privacy within the aged care sector. When we are auditing aged care Homes/Services we always pose the question: “Do you have a Privacy Officer?” and “Do you have a Whistleblower Officer?” If you do
Key governance areas for compliance in monitoring visits for providers
As we approach the 1st of December, here at Critical Success Solutions (CSS) we want to highlight key governance areas for aged care providers to be prepared for the monitoring visits that will commence post December 1st deadline. It is crucial to ensure compliance with the new strengthening governance requirements. This
Stress Testing: Preparing your village and team
During periods of change and increased regulation Retirement Village specialists Russell Kennedy Lawyers recommended in their webinar that villages undertake Stress Testing (link below). During the government consultation period regarding changes to exit payments many expressed their concerns on how this additional pressure will be managed with all the other
Strengthening Provider Governance Reforms – December 1st approaching fast
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) have been working to improve governance and accountability across the sector. This includes amendments to the Aged Care Act and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act to strengthen the governance arrangements of approved providers. From 1 December 2023, providers approved before 1 December 2022 must:
Annual Performance Review Of Your Board
At Critical Success Solutions we are often asked – why do we need to conduct an annual performance review of the Board? In the every changing landscape and context of aged care governance in Australia, it is a vital practice for several reasons: Therefore, an annual performance review of the
ACQSC 24/7 RN Exemption Monitoring Visit
We would like to share with you the focus areas and insights on a recent new process conducted by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) at an aged care provider we network with. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to assess the compliance with the 24/7 Registered
Sector Performance Data and Audit Opportunities
I’m excited to share with you the latest trend summary for the Sector Performance data for April – June 2023. Staying on top of trends is essential for both the Commission and your organisation. By employing a risk-based approach, the Commission assessors have been directed to focus on areas of
Dementia Action Week
Act Now for a Dementia-friendly Future 18-24 September 2023 Introduction The theme for Dementia Action Week 2023 is ‘Act Now for a Dementia-friendly Future,’ which highlights the need to raise awareness and foster acceptance of dementia within our community. CSS supports aged care providers in providing the most appropriate services
CSS QCAB and CAB Packages
The strengthening provider governance responsibilities commence on 1 December 2023 (for providers approved prior to 1 December 2022). Whilst you may be well into your journey of establishing and recruiting members for your Quality Care Advisory Body (QCAB) and Consumer Advisory Body (CAB), – but have you thought about inducting
Foundations of the New Aged Care Act Webinar
Department of Health and Aged Care Introduction Critical Success Solutions consultants recently attended the webinar ‘Foundations of the New Aged Care Act’ held by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) on 10 August 2023. This webinar outlined the core components of the new Aged Care Act, emphasising the
Appreciating Aged Care Workers – 7 August, 2023
At Critical Success Solutions we appreciate aged care workers every day and publicly acknowledge them on 7 August each year. Our aged care consultants work hand in hand with aged care workers who deliver care and services to our older Australians. Aged care workers are dedicated to providing care, comfort,
Volunteers in Aged Care
Volunteers and the Code of Conduct for Aged Care The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) serves as Australia’s national regulatory body for aged care services. Its core mission is to safeguard and improve the well-being, safety, health, and overall quality of life for individuals who rely on government-funded