Standard 4: The environment makes sure that older people receive care in a physical environment that is safe, supportive and meets their needs. It also explains the requirements for effective infection prevention and control.
Under this standard, you need to:
- use equipment that is safe and meets the needs of older people
- have an appropriate system for infection prevention and control.
If you’re providing care in an older person’s home, you must manage environmental risks for the services you’re providing.
If you’re providing care in a place that isn’t in an older person’s home, you must make sure the physical environment is clean, safe and comfortable.
You can find more information on the Standard 4 guidance page.
Who Standard 4 applies to
Standard 4 applies to Australian Government-funded aged care providers registered in:
- Category 4 – personal care and care support in the home or community (including respite)
- Category 5 – nursing and transition care
- Category 6 – residential care (including respite).
Resources
These resources help providers and workers to understand and comply with Standard 4: The environment. They also encourage you to follow best practice in how you provide your services and help you to continuously improve.
- Standard 4: The Environment - Provider fact sheet
- Standard 4: The Environment - Introductory video
- Access our strengthened Quality Standards resources on our Guidance and resources page
