New aged care code of conduct introduced

The new Code of Conduct for Aged Care is designed to help build confidence in the safety and quality of care for older Australians.

The Code of Conduct for Aged Care (the Code) has been introduced to improve the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life for people receiving aged care, and to boost trust in services. Launching on December 1, 2022, the Code aims to educate aged care staff across the country as to what is expected in the delivery of care. The Code describes the behaviour expected of aged care providers, their governing persons (for instance, board members and Chief Executive Officers) and aged care workers. The Code gives the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (the Commission) the power to deal with behaviour that is not consistent with the Code and has been developed based on the existing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Code of Conduct.

What are an aged care worker’s responsibilities?

People receiving aged care should always be treated well and feel safe. As an aged care worker providing care, supports and services, you have the most contact with people receiving care. Your behaviour affects how people feel about themselves and if they feel safe and supported. You must always act in a way that is respectful, kind and consistent with the behaviours set out in the Code.

Your responsibilities under the Code are in keeping with your existing obligations under the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act), including the Aged Care Quality Standards. The Code of Conduct for Aged Care: Guidance for aged care workers and governing persons describes these responsibilities, the types of conduct covered by the Code and information about what the Code means in practice.

What are an aged care provider’s responsibilities?

Approved providers must also behave and treat people receiving aged care services in ways consistent with the

Code and take steps to make sure aged care workers and governing persons do the same. Providers are expected to support, equip and prepare you to carry out your role. This includes, for example, providing training, making sure policies and procedures are easily accessible, and taking action to make sure you meet the Code.

Actions taken by Hall & Prior

Hall & Prior has reviewed its own Code of Conduct to be in line with the expectations of the Industry Code, as well as some specific inclusions that makes us who we are. The Hall & Prior Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours every employee is expected to demonstrate every day towards our consumers, our colleagues, our customers and our organisation. Toolbox education sessions have been organised to ensure that every Hall & Prior staff member is familiar with the Hall & Prior Code of Conduct and our shared obligations to demonstrate the behaviours in it.

Commencing alongside the Code, additional powers have also been given to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to investigate employee conduct that is not aligned with the Code. “The continued support of Hall & Prior staff is appreciated,” said Hall & Prior CEO, Graeme Prior. “Their loyalty to our resident’s well-being is incredible and I cannot thank them enough.”

To find out more about the Code, visit health.gov. au/topics/aged-care/agedcare-reforms-and-reviews/ royal-commission-into-agedcare-quality-and-safety/ code-of-conduct-for-aged-care

The Language of Dementia

How we express terms around dementia are an important part of supporting those living with a diagnosis. By Katie Conciatore, Behaviour and Cognition Clinical Nurse, Hall & Prior.

In my last column “Dementia and Responsive Behaviours”, as is commonly done when publications are compiled, a tag line was added into the introduction of my article. This statement used the word “Dementia sufferer” when referring to a person living with a form of dementia. This was not intended and is an error that will not happen again, however this provides an opportunity for learning and open discussion. Dementia is used to describe many conditions or diseases that affect a person’s judgement, memory, mood and communication. There are over 130 different types of conditions or diseases that cause dementia. I often explain dementia by comparing it to cancer, you may have cancer however there are many different types of cancer and they need to be treated in different ways. This is the case for dementia and the different types such as Alzheimer’s disease of Frontotemporal dementia. In July 2021, Dementia Australia published the “Dementia Language Guidelines” to promote and raise awareness of the importance of appropriate, inclusive and nonstigmatising language when talking about people living with dementia. This was created due to the simple fact that “words matter” and the way we talk about dementia and the people living with it can be impactful.

There are many misconceptions or myths about dementia within our society and by using negative language such as the word “sufferer” it reinforces negative stereotypes and focuses on the disease rather than the person. A person living with dementia still has many abilities and opportunities for meaningful engagement and can participate within their communities positively. Not everyone with dementia is/or needs to suffer. Instead we as a community need to employ a variety of approaches to support people living with a dementia diagnosis and their families/loved ones. This column will play a role in the future in highlighting some of the areas for improvement or learning that can assist to do this.

The following terms/phrases are preferred when talking about dementia/a person with dementia/behaviours The following terms/phrases should not be used when talking about dementia/a person with dementia/behaviours

• Dementia • Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia • A type of dementia • A person/people with dementia • A person/people living with dementia • A person/people with a diagnosis of dementia • Responsive Behaviours • Changed Behaviour(s) • Expressions of unmet need • Dementing illness • Demented • Sufferer • Victim • Demented person • Behaviour(s) of concern • Challenging behaviours • Difficult behaviours