Peak sector bodies ACSA and LASA, together with LASA QLD, have formally launched an alternative to the RVAs village accreditation program. It is called the International Retirement Community Accreditation Scheme, or IRCAS. They are engaging the external quality assurance operator, Quality and Practice [QIP], who also operate accreditation schemes for the dentistry, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging sectors. QIP had been considered by both the RVA and the old Aged Care Queensland, the joint owners of the original RVA accreditation program, but agreement on process could not be reached. Now the largely not-for-profit sector is going it alone with QIP. The key difference is that the RVA manages and conducts the audits itself whereas under IRCAS the independent QIP will conduct the audits. For more information visit www.ircas.com.au
A first: residents petition council wanting an over-55s retirement community
A petition signed by more than 100 people within four days in Bannockburn, 88km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, demanding a lifestyle village was raised at Golden Plains Shire’s council meeting. “We would like to ask our elected council to encourage...