Mapping resource for NG to the revised ACQS – PDF download

Spiritual care is grounded in important theoretical frame-works, one of which is the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Care (Pulcheski, et.al, 2014) . Another is a patient-centred care model in which the focus of care is on the older person and their experience of illness as opposed to a sole focus on the disease (ACSQHC; 2011). Integral to both models is the recognition that there is more to the care of the older person than the physical.

Ensuring aged care providers are able to assess spiritual care is equally important in bringing meaning, purpose and wholeness to assist a person to flourish, grow and realise their potential in their journey of ageing. This document aims to assist aged care providers, and other stakeholders across the sector to identify the relationship of spiritual and cultural diversity within the revised Aged Care Quality Standards and the National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care.

Definitions used in the revised ACQS Glossary of Terms whereby they reinforce or relate to spiritual care are listed in Appendix 1. Glossary of terms.  The guide also includes a brief definition for spiritual screening, history taking and assessment and overview of validated spiritual assessment tools are found in Appendix 2.

Released in July 2024 to assist the aged care sector to prepare for the Revised Aged Care Quality Standards and soon to be legislated Aged Care Act in 2025.