This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the provision of health and social care services for older persons by healthcare and social care workforce, irrespective of whether the service is provided in the persons own home or in a care home. The services concerned also include short-term care e.g. respite care, enablement, and rehabilitation.


Care services are provided in a variety of settings. While this document focuses on services provided in care facilities and care at home, including preventive, responsive, palliative and end of life care, many of the requirements and recommendations can be applied to the provision of care services in any setting.


Service provision is based on the individual needs and preferences of the older person to assist self-determination, participation, safety, and security. The document encompasses the holistic needs of older persons receiving care at home and at care homes and the workforce, taking into consideration principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.


This document applies to all providers of care and support to older persons irrespective of size, structure, legal set up, or funding model (i.e. public, private or non-profit).


This document does not cover standardization of clinical guidelines, medical devices and building codes (engineering and structural).