National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older Persons

The National Minimum Standards for Care Homes outline regulatory frameworks and specific criteria applicable to care homes catering to older individuals with varying dependency levels, including specialized units for dementia care. Recognizing the unique needs of each resident, the Standards establish minimum requirements for operational and managerial competencies to ensure the delivery of individually tailored, comprehensive, and high-quality services. Applicable to all care homes requiring registration and annual licensing, the leading principles encompass person-centered care, dignity, privacy, physical and mental well-being, self-fulfillment, autonomy/empowerment, equality, the right to complain, and the right to legal recourse, fostering active ageing in home cares. They are developed by Parliamentary secretariat for rights of persons with disability and active ageing. These Standards serve as a tool for independent regulators through regular communication with residents, families, staff, and managers. Assessment methods include observation of daily life and home management, audits of written policies and procedures, and scheduled/ad hoc inspections. By emphasizing these principles and assessment approaches, the Standards aim to uphold the quality and individualized nature of care provided in care homes for older individuals.