Residential aged care environments are governed by a set of standards. The MPS Arts in Health initiative directly relates to several of the Aged Care Quality Standards and National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
- Aged Care Quality Standards
Commonwealth subsidised aged care services, such as Murrumburrah-Harden Health Service, comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards. The Quality Standards which can be linked to the aims of the Arts in Health initiative include:
Standard 1: Consumer dignity and choice encompasses dignity and respect, identity, culture and diversity, cultural safety, choice and dignity of risk. These concepts recognise the consumer’s sense of self. They also highlight the importance of the consumer being able to act independently, make their own choice and take part in the community. These are vital in fostering social inclusion, health and well-being.
Standard 4: Services and supports for daily living covers a wide range of options that aim to support consumers to live as independently as possible and enjoy life. Specifically Standard 4 (3) ensures that there are supports in place to improve a consumers well-being and quality of life using a consumer-centred approach. At its core is the concept of treating the consumer as a whole person and considering their physical and mental health, their spiritual, emotional and social life. It is about making sure consumers are socially connected, can have the relationships they choose and have control over their lives.
Standard 5: Organisations service environment ensures that the service environment, furniture and equipment support a consumers quality of life as well as their independence, ability and enjoyment. Core to this concept is a sense of belonging for the consumer.
Visit the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission webpage for more information.
- National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
For MPS sites, such as Culcairn and Tumbarumba, the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards can also be linked to the aims of the Arts in Health initiative. They include:
Standard 2: Partnering with consumers ensures person centred care and there is a focus on community and consumer involvement. Specifically consumers have an integral role in the healthcare they receive and are involved in the governance, design, measurement and evaluation of healthcare. These systems need to reflect the diversity of the consumers who use the service or the diversity of the local community.
Standard 5: Comprehensive Care intention is partner with consumers when providing comprehensive care and minimising patent harm. It ensures that consumers are involved in their own care in a way that meets their information needs and there are systems in place for shared decision making. It also discusses collaborating with patients, carers and families to manage or minimise risks of delirium, self-harm or aggressive or violent behaviour.
Visit the Clinical Excellence Commission webpage for more information.
TRAINING
The Art Gallery of NSW and Health Infrastructure is providing professional training and on-going professional development opportunities to health staff and guidance for community and family members to equip them to facilitate the program directly in their communities.