Current location
You are here: help with aged care homes > standards of care > what happens if care needs aren't met?Help with aged care homes
What happens if care needs aren't met?
Aged care homes can be accredited by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency (more information) for up to three years, but if there is a serious concern with the care, safety or wellbeing of residents, the accreditation period can be reduced, or revoked.
The Agency will also refer serious matters to the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) for consideration. The Department can take compliance action if it finds that the approved provider (more information) is not meeting their responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997.
Compliance action involves issuing a series of notices, beginning with a notice of non-compliance that outlines the issues that need to be addressed and the action the approved provider is required to undertake. Information about Notices of Non Compliance.
A sanction may be imposed if the approved provider fails to remedy the situation. If there is immediate and severe risk to the health, safety or well-being of the residents, sanctions may be imposed immediately. Information about Sanctions (more information).
In serious cases, sanctions may be imposed which may result in the approved provider’s eligibility for funding being revoked.
The Department writes to all residents and their representatives to advise them of a sanction. The name of a departmental officer and contact details will also be provided so that if there are any concerns by the resident or family member, these can be followed up.
Homes will be expected to have a meeting for residents and families. Representatives from the Department also attend this meeting. The home will need to say what the concern is and how they will improve the areas of concern within a set timeframe.
The Department has an Aged Care – Sanctions and Notices of Non-Compliance website which identifies the home, the sanctions applied and the period of the sanctions. If a home does have sanctions in place, this will be listed in the home's individual record through the Aged Care Home Finder and also on the Department’s website. Links are provided below.
Next step: Aged Care Home Finder
For further information on sanctions call the Aged Care Information Line 1800 500 853.