Timely, Appropriate Referrals and Responding to Deterioration in Community and Residential Care

Clients have the right to receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

All care recipients are subject to changes in their condition, whether they be physical, emotional, cognitive or functional. Part of adequate care provision is being able to promptly detect these changes, intervene appropriately and refer the client to a specialist service if deemed necessary (ACQSC 2019).

Timely, appropriate referrals and responding to deterioration are components of the Aged Care Quality Standards Standard 3: Personal Care and Clinical Care and Standard 4: Services and Supports for Daily Living.

Timely Referrals

If a provider finds that they are unable to meet a client’s needs, goals and preferences appropriately, they are expected to consult with the client and promptly refer them to another provider, organisation or individual who is able to fulfil these needs (ACQSC 2019).