Retirement Villages Look Before You Leap

When it comes to Victorian retirement villages the old adage of Look Before You Leap has never been more true. 

The new Jacinta Allan, Nick Staikos, Consumer Affairs Victoria operator centric 2025 version of the retirement villages act makes it even more imperative.

Research, research, research, the best outcome may be not to leap at all.

 

Retirement Village Residents Like Frog in Slow Boiling Water

Victorian retirement village residents are as vulnerable as a frog in slow boiling water, they don't know what is really happening to them.

The reality is a slow transfer of their hard earned capital wealth, not to their families, but to greedy corporations. Then they have to rely on the Australian taxpayer to fund their aged care costs.

The Victorian Labor government has just written an operator centric legislative framework to support this process.

Stand And Deliver From Bishop Parkes

The residents of Alexandra in Victoria believe the phrase 'stand and deliver' is alive and well in 2018 but the surprise is that the order is coming from a Bishop of the Anglican Church.

Bishop John Parkes from the Diocese of Wangaratta is leading a move to forcibly merge the Kellock Lodge aged care facility in Alexandra with the St. Johns aged care facility in Wangaratta. Both the facilities are in the Diocese of Wangaratta.

At a standing room only public protest meeting held in the Alexandra town hall, over 300 residents of the community expressed outrage at what was taking place. Some 30 years ago a local family donated land to the Anglican Church for the purpose of caring for the elderly of the district. The church was not asked to provide any funds for the development of the facility and it never did. The church has never been asked for any money over the following 30 years and it has never given.

At the public meeting speakers stated that the facility in Wangaratta is in a financially precarious position and the motive for the move is to incorporate a stated nine million dollars held in cash assets by the Alexandra facility.

The residents of Alexandra are fearful the Diocese of Wangaratta may have the legal rite to take such action but the morality of a christian organisation making such a move came under heavy criticism at the public meeting.

The meeting unanimously voted:-

A. That this public meeting of the Alexandra community rejects any moves to shift control and management of Kellock Lodge and its assets out of Alexandra into a new new company based in Wangaratta.

B. That this public meeting requests the Kellock Board to investigate whether any avenues exist for the transfer of the land to an appropriate community based entity.

From the mood of the meeting it seems clear the name Bishop John Parkes will never be forgotten in Alexandra but for all the wrong reasons. All Churches are struggling to maintain public relevance in the modern world, the Anglican church in Alexandra may suffer a community backlash from which it does not recover.

It's a Horror Story say Carers

The Sydney Morning Herald reports - Natalie Vernon was trying to enjoy a holiday in Tasmania last October when she received a call from her distressed daughter, informing her Mrs Vernon’s son was threatening to kill himself.

Liam*, aged 28, has autism, developmental delay, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder, and lives full-time in disability-supported group accommodation.

His care is managed by LiveBetter Community Services, formerly CareWest, which is the largest National Disability Income Scheme (NDIS) provider in rural NSW.

Mrs Vernon was horrified when, during panicked calls to Liam’s carers that continued throughout the evening, it became clear the staff looking after him didn’t know how to respond.

“They didn’t know what to do ... I said give him a valium. PRN him,” she said, describing a medical treatment administered on a needs basis. “If it doesn’t work, he needs to be admitted. If you can’t manage him, you must take him to hospital."

Read the full story here -  'It's a horror story': Carers, family speak out on NDIS regional care

Technology Helps with Distance Caring for Seniors

Technology Helps with Distance Caring for Seniors - By Lydia Chan from www.alzheimerscaregiver.net

A senior’s caregiver, such as an adult child, often can find the care giving task stressful and exhausting. Also, it can be scary when the caregiver is not able to be with the senior 24/7, as is the case for most people. With the cost of nursing home care rising every year to astronomical rates, many are looking for cheaper, but still effective, ways to provide care. One way to reduce costs is to find a solution that allows a senior to stay at their home. This trend of senior care facilitated to a large extent by technology. Here are some tips on how to take advantage of today’s technology to care for your senior loved ones from afar.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Technology such as wellness system trackers and smart home appliances permit remote monitoring of seniors. For example, the Nest camera systems can be positioned throughout a senior's home so that children can remotely check in on their senior parent. These cameras can also send notifications when there are visitors and can be set to alert when motion is detected. The cameras record data in the cloud, which can be configured to archive for a particular period. Live feeds and video files are accessed through a website or smartphone app. It can be reassuring for a caregiver to be able to open their phone and see that their loved one is safe.

Other technologies can help with tracking medication by providing reminders to both the caretaker and senior. And technology can help seniors who have dementia, as well. A particularly ingenious app, designed by a 12-year old granddaughter, addresses forgetfulness by setting alerts when it notices repetitive phone behavior - such as calling the same number over and over - and integrates facial recognition to prompt the user, too. Often an Alzheimer's patient recognizes the face of a loved one but cannot call up their name. This app may be an excellent tool for assisting those with memory loss.

And technology is not only about keeping tabs on mom or dad it’s also about giving them quality of life. Tablets are so intuitive that practically anyone can master them. Their ease of use enables seniors to play games, listen to music, browse news and stay up-to-date with family and friends through social media.

Tablets, smartphone and smart TVs also encourage communication in ways that connect people much more closely than with just voices. Video calling encourages face-to-face interaction between a senior and different family members. Since grandchildren and other relatives can be spread out over geographic areas, the ability for the senior to connect is priceless.

A problem with the senior community that is often overlooked is the existence of substance abuse either in the past or as a continuing struggle. Some of these technologies can help by allowing others to monitor activity but can also aid by reconnecting family members who may have been hurt by a senior's prior addiction. Video chat can be a way for old wounds to heal gradually.

Like many aspects of out life, technology has the ability to improve senior care. It provides levels of monitoring and connectedness that are almost as effective as living with a senior. These apps and devices allow caregivers to lead a less burdened life, while resting assured of their loved one's health and safety. At the same time, the technology permits a senior to retain the dignity of living on one's own. Until such time that the senior's health requires assisted living, families can take advantage of new technologies for monitoring, safety and more.

Technology Helps with Distance Caring for Seniors

By Lydia Chan from www.alzheimerscaregiver.net

 

[blog_subscription_form]

 

Prisoners Fed Better than Aged

Prisoners Fed Better than Aged

News.com.au reports -

"Prisoners fed better than Aussies in aged care homes.

GUINEA pigs have better meals than these Aussies, says a leading medical chief, after shocking new data shows they are being fed on just $6 a day.

AUSTRALIAN pensioners are fed on just $6 a day, according to shocking new statistics which the AMA president has called a “national disgrace”.

The “wholly inadequate’’ sum of money is less than Australian prisoners get for their meals and medical chief Michael Gannon says more money is spent on his guinea pigs’ food.

“My children’s guinea pigs get fresh ingredients and more money spent on them,’’ AMA President, Mr Gannon told the Courier-Mail. “It’s a national disgrace the way we treat our aged.”

The study, written by Bond University dietitian Cherie Hugo and accountants Stewart Brown, shows that, despite aged care homes reaping in $1 billion in profits last year, they spent $6.08 per resident, on average, to provide three meals a day.

It also shows that prisons spend an average of $8.25 per prisoner per day on food.

The research study, which was based on the financial reports from 817 aged care providers for 64,256 residents, states that half of these residents suffer from malnutrition.

It found that nursing homes cut spending on food by 30 cents per resident last year.

Read the full story here :- Prisoners fed better than Aussies in aged care homes

Prisoners Fed Better than Aged "



[blog_subscription_form]

Renovation or Retirement Home

YourLifeChoices reports:-

Renovation or retirement home. The great ‘age in place’ conundrum.

Renovation or Retirement Home - "Property Council of Australia data says the average age people move out of their house and into a retirement village or nursing home is 75 years.

Yet, the vast majority of Australians aged in their 80s and 90s are staying put. The latest census reveals that 80 per cent of people between 85 and 89 years, and half of those aged 95 to 99 years, are still living in their own home.

Sources suggest that enquiries into retrofitting private homes to make them ‘age friendlier’ are soaring , as older people put off the inevitable need to be cared for in facilities other than their homes. Home Modifications Australia (MOD.A) Director Michael Bleasdale told YourLifeChoices that, all around the nation, there is a strong trend towards “ageing in place”.

While vulnerable Australians are forced to wait for the wheels of government to grind on, many may feel tempted to take a stepping stone to aged care life via buying into or leasing from a retirement village group.

However, consumer group CHOICE cautions against moving into a village unless you are fully aware of the huge costs involved from day one through to when you leave the complex.

The group warns: “The upshot is that it's very hard to know how bad the deal is until you decide to leave the village, whether because the operator exaggerated its charms or because you just need to move out.

“At that point you might find out the undisclosed and unexpected exit costs have made your village unit a very poor investment indeed. And to rub salt in the wound, the village operators often don't have to pay you back what's left of your loan until months after you've left, and sometimes even longer.”

Another important consideration is that, over time, the village apartment you buy may eventually need modifications. At that point, it is likely you will have to pay for them yourself.""

See the full story here - Full Retirement Story

Renovation or Retirement Home.



[blog_subscription_form]

Aged Care Reform Campaign

Aged Care Reform Campaign - Aged Care Weekly reports on a new grass roots campaign for Aged Care Reform called Aged Care Reform – A Community Campaign.

You can support the campaign by signing a petition here :- https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/urgent-aged-care-reform

"I did not start out seeking Aged Care Reform. In fact, when I told people that I wanted to pursue a career in aged care, I usually got quite similar responses across the board.

“My Mum/Dad is in a nursing home. The staff are always so busy!”

“Mum won’t let me complain but…”

“I’d rather die than ever go into a nursing home.” 

When I began to study for my Diploma of Nursing, on our very first day at TAFE, our lecturer asked us all where we saw ourselves as future nurses.

I said aged care, of course.

I told all my friends that one day I would own a nursing home. I was already planning my post-diploma study path in geriatric nursing – aged care was where I wanted to be.

Fast Forward

Fast forward three years, and I don’t work in aged care. After a decade of working as a community personal care and disability support worker, I am now an Enrolled Nurse working in acute care.

I was rapt when I secured a job as a personal care worker while I was a nursing student on my work placement in a residential facility. You couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face! I hoped it would lead to future opportunities to work as an aged care nurse.

MY DETERMINATION TO FIGHT FOR CHANGE HAS BEEN IGNITED BY WHAT FEELS LIKE CONSTANT NEGATIVE PRESS

However, I lasted just eleven short months before I was sitting in my car outside work, crying and not wanting to go inside before my shift. I didn’t sleep. In fact, I was anxious and jumpy. I was short-tempered and stressed at home because I couldn’t be at work – at least not in front of my residents. My colleagues and I vented and leaned on one another constantly, but it was still like working in a pressure cooker full of stress, about to explode. There was no one particular reason that it was like that – there was a pile of problems, and there was no one to fix them."

Read the full story here:- https://agedcareweekly.com.au/2018/01/aged-care-reform-a-community-campaign/

You can support the campaign by signing a petition here :- https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/urgent-aged-care-reform

Aged Care Reform Campaign - Website -  https://urgentagedcarereformnow.com/



[blog_subscription_form]

Alzheimer's Home Living Structures

Preparations Make the Difference at Home

By

Lydia Chan
Alzheimerscaregiver.net

Alzheimer's Home Living Structures - Family members face big challenges when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Providing a healthy, safe environment is a key to moving forward. With proper assessment and preparations, you can equip yourself and living areas for the care of your senior.

image courtesy of Pixabay

Communication

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis means necessary changes in living structures and you will be engaging in some difficult conversations. Your loved one may want the living situation to stay the same, and change can be very emotional.

These conversations can be difficult but are necessary for making effective choices which respect the desires of your loved one. Approach the subject with honesty and compassion. Experts offer these suggestions:

• Sharing and support. Be open about your feelings and assure your senior you will be supportive and that you will assist in solving problems as they arise.


• Respect independence. Ensure your senior is able to preserve as much control over lifestyle-related decisions as possible.


• Baby steps. Allow your senior to become acclimated to changes by making the smallest steps possible.


• Become educated. Learn about medical, legal, and financial issues relating to your senior in terms of background and current affairs. Be aware of what to expect with the aging process and progression of the disease.

Providing care

Chances are your care for your loved one will include not only taking your senior under your wing but also under your roof. More than 342,000 Australians are living with Alzheimer's and dementia - a number expected to increase to 400,000 in less than a decade. Studies show care providers often make the choice to bring their loved one home:

"It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home."

Assessing home

Depending on the circumstances, some experts suggest establishing living quarters on one level, including bedroom, bathroom and kitchen facilities. Wherever your loved one lives will require appropriate preparations. You should inspect living areas for potential hazards; some general things to look for include:

• Improve lighting in dim rooms and walkways.


• Secure furniture to prevent trips and falls.


• Use chairs with armrests to support transitioning from seated to standing positions.


• Clear walkways and eliminate slipping and tripping hazards, such as rugs, cords, ottomans, and magazine racks.


• Add stickers to windows and glass doorways at eye level to improve visibility.


• Eliminate locks on doors to interior rooms so your loved one can’t be accidently locked in.


• Secure medications, cleansers and poisons that could be accidentally ingested or otherwise inappropriately handled.


• Remove sharp objects and tools that could cause injury.

As you evaluate the dwelling, you should assess every room for risks to safety. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a terrific home safety checklist to assist in your evaluation.

Engage support

Once you make your assessment and establish a foundation with your loved one, opening lines of communication with other family members is often necessary. There may be financial considerations, especially if major home modifications are required or hiring assistance becomes necessary. Everyone’s viewpoint should be considered, and sometimes family dynamics can cause conflict. Again, this may not be an easy conversation, and as noted by PBS involving a third party such as a social worker, geriatric caregiver, or spiritual leader could be helpful.

Even though the process is emotional and challenging, it’s far better to engage everyone in these discussions ahead of time, rather than during a crisis. Also, by opening communication now you can all share in the burdens that come with caregiving. No one family member should be saddled entirely with daily care, transportation, health and medical commitments, and financial undertakings.

Bringing home your senior

Receiving the news a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming, but with proper steps you will be able to move forward. Communicate with your senior as well as family members for a healthy support system. Assess the home for safety and make appropriate changes. By equipping yourself, your family, your loved one and your home, you can provide the best possible care.

 

Alzheimer's Home Living Structures - Article by - Lydia Chan
Alzheimerscaregiver.net

[blog_subscription_form]

Perfect Storm for Seniors in 2017

Perfect Storm for Seniors in 2017 - In the latest (12/17) edition The Senior Newspaper encapsulates 2017 for Australian seniors by describing the revelations about Aged Care together with the revelations about Retirement Villages as being the 'Perfect Storm'.

The hopes and aspirations of many Australian seniors and their families were summed up in the final paragraph of the editorial:-

"Let's hope 2018 is the year it all comes together: that our politicians get it right so everyone can rest assured they will be able to age with dignity and respect, no matter what side of the financial railway line they live."

https://www.thesenior.com.au/


[blog_subscription_form]

Coroner Wants Better Aged Care Recording.

Coroner recommends care workers document changes in residents’ health.

In a story by By Megan Stoyles on December 6, 2017 in Research & Clinical.

Coroner Wants Better Aged Care Recording - A Queensland coroner has recommended that personal care workers and assistants in nursing be required to enter any variation in a resident’s condition in their progress notes, following the health-related death of an 86-year-old aged care resident.

The case was reported and reviewed in the November edition of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine’s (VIFM) Residential Aged Care Communique by Professor Joseph Ibrahim from Monash University.

It involved a resident residing in the low-level care section of a residential aged care facility, which had a registered nurse available if called upon by personal care workers.

After the resident notified staff he was unwell on a Sunday morning, he was reviewed by a registered nurse, examined by his GP the following day and died the evening after that.

See the full story here:- https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2017/12/06/coroner-recommends-care-workers-document-changes-residents-health/?platform=hootsuite


[blog_subscription_form]

Serious Concerns Treatment Of Elderly

Serious Concerns Treatment Of Elderly

ABC News Reports:-

Aged care report card reveals 'serious concerns' about treatment of elderly in Victoria.

"Documents obtained by the ABC under Freedom of Information (FOI) laws detail serious concerns around the treatment of residents in aged care homes across country Victoria, which victims say is due to a shortfall in staff ratios and skillsets.

Patients being hospitalised with burns and allegations of stalking and harassment by mentally ill residents, are among some of the most worrying cases uncovered in western Victoria alone."

Full article here:-  Aged care report card reveals 'serious concerns' about treatment of elderly in Victoria.

Serious Concerns Treatment Of Elderly.




[blog_subscription_form]

Statutory Duty of Candour

"The Victorian Minister for Health has committed to consult on the introduction of the statutory duty of candour and has asked that this consultation be led by an Expert Working Group appointed to provide advice on legislative reforms arising from Targeting Zero.

• A consultation paper has been released seeking the stakeholder views on aspects of a statutory duty of candour to be introduced in Victoria.


• A statutory duty of candour is a recommendation of a review led by Dr Stephen Duckett into quality and safety across the Victorian health system.


• A statutory duty of candour is a legal obligation to ensure that consumers of healthcare and their families are apologised to, and communicated with, openly and honestly when things have gone wrong in their care.

A statutory duty of candour is a legal obligation to ensure that consumers of healthcare and their families are apologised to, and communicated with, openly and honestly when things have gone wrong in their care."

Full story here :- https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/hospitals-and-health-services/quality-safety-service/better-safer-care/statutory-duty-of-candour




[blog_subscription_form]

Influenza Deaths Board Accountability

Ten flu deaths at nursing home amid serious management failure

Influenza Deaths Board Accountability - The Board of Governors of St. Johns Village Wangaratta is showing no signs of accepting any responsibility for this influenza deaths tragedy.

 

•  In early 2016 the Director of Care position was made redundant.


• The Board introduced a flatter management structure


• The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian branch alleged that St John’s had breached its enterprise bargaining agreement by not employing a director of care – and consequently jeopardised its community reputation.


• Following a letter from the Board's lawyers claiming that they believed the statement was defamatory the ANMFV apologised for any inference that the Board may have failed in its governance obligations.


• Mr. Morris was appointed as acting Care Services Manager.


• On July 10 2017 Dr Brett Sutton, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease), Victoria issued a warning to all Victorian Health professionals and consumers that seasonal influenza rates are up, with the overall number of confirmed influenza cases in Victoria up 81 per cent compared to the same time in the calendar year 2016.


• The Board of Governors ultimately responsible for the operation of the facility includes a medical practitioner and also a member that claims a specialty in infection prevention and control.


• August 7 first signs of illness amongst residents.


• August 16 first death.


• Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt instructs the quality agency to conduct a review audit of the St John’s Wangaratta aged care facility to assess their performance against the 44 accreditation standards, which includes infection control systems and processes.


• Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt announced that the Wangaratta St. John’s Nursing Home failed multiple outcomes after an audit by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency.


• One such area listed as a fail was 1.2 Regulatory Compliance.
  “The organisation’s management does not have an effective system to identify and promote compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and guidelines.”

Although the Board of Governors cannot be held responsible for influenza entering the nursing home they do carry a responsibility and an accountability for what happened once it did.  Is it a strength or a weakness of an organisation that simply sheets home the blame to individuals who were placed in positions but may subsequently be shown to be without the necessary experience to fulfil the role.

Whatever any shortcomings of the now resigned Mr. Morris may be, he was appointed to the position in an acting capacity by senior management.  Whatever any shortcomings of the now resigned CEO Mr. Phelps may be, he was appointed to the position by the Board.

The responsibility and accountability for this tragedy does not rest just with the sacrificial lambs Mr. Morris and Mr. Phelps alone.  If the buck doesn't stop with the Board then who does it stop with?


[blog_subscription_form]

St Johns Nursing Home Fails AACQA Audit

St Johns Nursing Home Fails AACQA Audit - Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt announced that the Wangaratta  St. John's Nursing Home failed multiple outcomes after an audit by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency.

The report was ordered  by the Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt after 10 residents died during an outbreak of influenza at the facility.

The Quality Agency audit found that the Nursing Home failed to meet 12 of the 44 expected outcomes from the Accreditation Standards.

The full report can be downloaded here :- http://www.aacqa.gov.au/publications/reports/stjohnsretirementvillagenursinghome4481-5.docx/@@download/file/stjohnsretirementvillagenursinghome4481-5.docx

Below is a summary of the audit findings for the Nursing Home section of the complex.

The information obtained through the audit indicates the Nursing Home did not meet expected outcomes.

Standard 1 – Management systems, staffing and organisational development

1.1 Continuous improvement

“The organisation does not have an effective system that demonstrates a proactive approach to continuous improvement across the Accreditation Standards.”

1.2 Regulatory compliance

“Management did not ensure staff reported allegations of elder abuse in a timely manner. Management did not ensure the respiratory outbreak case list was complete and reflected all deaths and hospitalisations. Management did not ensure all deaths and hospitalisations related to the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017 were consistently notified to the Department of Health and Human Services in a timely manner within 24 hours. ”

1.3 Education and staff development

“Management and staff cannot demonstrate they had the appropriate knowledge and skills to identify, contain and manage the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. These skill and knowledge deficits impacted negatively on care recipients.”

1.4 Comments and complaints

“During the review audit, stakeholders raised concerns about staffing levels, skin care, pain management, continence and clinical care during the influenza and respiratory outbreak in August 2017 and September 2017. In addition, they raised concerns about infection control, cleaning and the level of communication during that time.”

1.6 Human resource management

“The organisation did not maintain a sufficient number of appropriately skilled and qualified staff during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. There was not always a registered nurse on duty and the on call nurse did not always come in when requested after hours. ”

1.8 Information systems

“The organisation cannot demonstrate their information systems during the recent respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017 were effective. The policies, procedures and flowchart do not reflect current Australian Government and Victorian Government infection control guidelines.”

Standard 2 – Health and personal care

2.1 Continuous improvement

“Clinical monitoring and reporting mechanisms are ineffective and management cannot show key performance data that exceeded specified risk thresholds has been actioned, for example, falls, hydration status and number of medications prescribed.”

2.2 Regulatory compliance

“Management did not ensure qualified staff were always available and responsible for assessing and monitoring care recipients’ clinical care needs during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. Staff did not always work according to legislative requirements or within their scope of practice in relation to verification of death, management of syringe drivers and controlled medication.”

2.4 Clinical care

“During the influenza and respiratory outbreak in August 2017 and September 2017 a number of care recipients did not receive appropriate clinical care. Three of ten care recipients who died with influenza or respiratory illness were not referred to a medical officer at the onset of their illness.”

2.8 Pain management

“Care recipients' pain was not effectively managed during the respiratory and influenza outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. Staff said care recipients who were unwell during the outbreak died in pain because they could not provide timely repositioning and pain management resources were not always available. Pain relief medication was not always available for care recipients and pain charting was not always completed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of pain relief measures.”

2.11 Skin care

“During the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017 a number of care recipients did not receive appropriate skin care. Seven of ten care recipients who died with respiratory illness had outdated information in assessments and care plans impacting on the delivery of care recipients’ skin care needs. Four of ten care recipients developed pressure areas during the outbreak with no action taken to initiate wound management plans or ensure treatments were ongoing. ”

Standard 3 – Care recipient lifestyle

3.2 Regulatory compliance

“Staff who received allegations of elder abuse did not always report the allegations in accordance with regulatory compliance obligations. Management said until September 2017 they were not aware they had to maintain a consolidated record of incidents where discretion not to report is used. The new consolidated record does not capture all incidents of care recipient to care recipient aggression.”

Standard 4 – Physical environment and safe systems

4.1 Continuous improvement

“Monitoring and reporting mechanisms to gather infection data, analyse data for trends and improvement opportunities are not effective. Infection data provided to the home’s benchmarking service has been inaccurate, resulting in performance monitoring and reporting that is incorrect. Systemic failures were identified in relation to the monitoring and actioning of the processes within the quality system in relation to Standard 4 Physical environment and safe systems.”

4.2 Regulatory compliance

“Management did not have systems to ensure management and staff followed all relevant guidelines in identifying, actioning and monitoring the influenza and respiratory outbreak in a timely manner from the onset of symptoms. Management was not aware of their responsibilities in relation to the reporting of the hospitalisation or deaths of care recipients with influenza or respiratory illness within 24 hours and did not comply with these requirements. ”

4.3 Education and staff development

“The home did not have an effective system to ensure management and staff had the required knowledge and skills to identify and contain infection during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. Processes to ensure staff had appropriate knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively during the outbreak did not occur until infection control education commenced on 22 August 2017.”

4.7 Infection control

“St John's Retirement Village Nursing Home did not implement a coordinated and timely infection control program that was effective in identifying and containing infection during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. Management did not implement timely and effective infection control measures and did not provide co-ordination, direction and management during the outbreak to control the spread of infection.”

4.8 Catering, cleaning and laundry

“Infection control cleaning procedures were not consistently implemented during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. Five cleaning staff and the environmental services manager were on unplanned leave at times during the outbreak and the leisure and lifestyle coordinator with no recent infection control training supervised environmental services staff. Cleaning shifts were not consistently replaced and when filled, the shifts were not always replaced with staff who had been trained in outbreak infection control.”


[blog_subscription_form]

Aged Care Influenza Reviews

Aged Care Influenza Reviews - The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, Minister for Aged Care released the results of the AACQA  Influenza reviews for the St. John's aged care facility in Wangaratta Victoria and the Uniting AgeWell Strathdevon facility in Latrobe Tasmania.

The St. John's Wangaratta facility failed 13 of 44 outcomes with 12 deaths and the Uniting AgeWell Latrobe facility failed 5 of 44 outcomes with 6 deaths.

"The Australian Government today released detailed reviews of aged care homes in Victoria and Tasmania that suffered deadly influenza outbreaks this winter, which revealed poor facility management and low staff vaccination rates.
Federal Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt ordered the review by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency of the St Johns facilities in Wangaratta and the Strathdevon facility in Latrobe during the influenza outbreak in August and September.
“These review audits reveal management errors, especially in infection control at the two sites,” Minister Wyatt said.
“The flu season affected aged care residents and staff and the homes’ infection control and contingency plans were overwhelmed but it was unacceptable.
“Staff vaccination rates in both homes were low, with only around one-third vaccinated ahead of the outbreaks, and dozens of staff were subsequently struck down with the flu.”
In response, Health Minister Greg Hunt has moved to make it mandatory for aged care facilities to implement flu vaccination programs for staff, with Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy currently examining all options to increase vaccination rates.
These reviews have found that at both sites, the homes’ management did not provide enough additional support and the professional guidance that was required to cope with the outbreak.
Minister Wyatt said the Quality Agency had now greatly increased its focus on the issue of infection control at all aged care facilities.
“The Agency is reviewing infection control practices, including a mandatory survey of all facilities’ outbreak management and staff vaccination rates, which is due for completion next week,” said Minister Wyatt.
“Results will be collated, then the Agency will focus on and engage with all homes which have registered low vaccination rates or difficulties managing the 2017 flu season.”
The Quality Agency is also running staff seminars in every aged care jurisdiction at present, to strengthen quality monitoring around infection control and increase staff and resident vaccinations.
Targeted aged care communication and education materials will be developed for the 2018 influenza season to further promote staff influenza vaccination.
All aged care providers have also been asked to review their infection control practices, to ensure that they are well equipped to manage and respond to an outbreak.
“Providing safe, quality aged care for our senior Australians is non-negotiable,” Minister Wyatt said.
“I am closely monitoring developments, and ensuring all Government-funded aged care facilities are prepared for infectious outbreaks, especially influenza, is a top priority.”
The reports are available at:
St John’s Retirement Village Hostel
http://www.aacqa.gov.au/publications/reports#b_start=0&c8=3293
St John’s Retirement Village Nursing Home
http://www.aacqa.gov.au/publications/reports#b_start=0&c8=4481
Uniting AgeWell Strathdevon
http://www.aacqa.gov.au/publications/reports#b_start=0&c5=strathdevon&c8=8405

Aged Care Influenza Reviews

[blog_subscription_form]

St Johns Hostel Fails AACQA Audit

St Johns Hostel Fails AACQA Audit - Wangaratta Aged Care facility St. John's Village has failed multiple outcomes following an audit by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency.

The report was ordered  by the Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt after 10 residents died from influenza.

Following a review audit the Quality Agency decided that the Hostel section of the complex failed to meet 12 of the 44 expected outcomes of the Accreditation Standards.

The full report is available for download here :- http://www.aacqa.gov.au/publications/reports/stjohnsretirementvillagehostel3293-5.docx/@@download/file/stjohnsretirementvillagehostel3293-5.docx

The following is a summary of the audit findings for the Hostel section of the complex.

The information obtained through the audit indicates the Hostel does not meet the following expected outcomes:

Standard 1 – Management systems, staffing and organisational development

1.1 Continuous improvement

“The organisation does not have an effective system that demonstrates a proactive approach to continuous improvement across the Accreditation Standards. ”

1.2Regulatory compliance

“Management did not have systems to ensure management and staff followed all relevant guidelines in identifying, actioning and monitoring the influenza and respiratory outbreak in a timely manner from the onset of symptoms. ”

1.3 Education and staff development

“Management and staff cannot demonstrate they had the appropriate knowledge and skills to identify, contain and manage the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. These skill and knowledge deficits impacted negatively on care recipients.”

1.4 Comments and complaints

“During the review audit, stakeholders raised concerns about staffing levels and clinical care during the influenza and respiratory outbreak in August 2017 and September 2017. In addition, they raised concerns about infection control, cleaning and the level of communication during that time. ”

1.6 Human resource management

“The organisation did not maintain a sufficient number of appropriately skilled and qualified staff during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017. ”

1.8 Information systems

“The respiratory outbreak case list used to provide accurate information to the Department of Health and Human Services was incomplete and did not reflect all care recipients’ hospitalisations and deaths.”

Standard 2 – Health and personal care

2.1 Continuous improvement

“Clinical monitoring and reporting mechanisms are ineffective and management cannot show key performance data that exceeded specified risk thresholds has been actioned, for example, falls, hydration status and number of medications prescribed.”

2.4 Clinical care

“During the influenza and respiratory outbreak in August 2017 and September 2017 a number of care recipients did not receive appropriate clinical care. Not all care recipients who received treatment for respiratory illness were referred to a medical officer at the onset of their illness.”

Standard 3 – Care recipient lifestyle

3.2 Regulatory compliance

“Management said until September 2017 they were not aware they had to maintain a consolidated record of incidents where discretion not to report is used.”

Standard 4 – Physical environment and safe systems

4.1 Continuous improvement

“Systemic failures were identified in relation to the monitoring and actioning of the processes within the quality system in relation to Standard 4 Physical environment and safe systems. ”

4.2 Regulatory compliance

“Management were not aware of their responsibilities in relation to the reporting of the hospitalisation of care recipients with influenza or respiratory illness within 24 hours and did not comply with these requirements. ”

4.3 Education and staff development

“The home did not have an effective system to ensure management and staff had the required knowledge and skills to identify and contain infection during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017.”

4.7 Infection control

“Organisational policies and procedures to direct staff response during a respiratory outbreak are not in line with current Australian Government and Victorian Government infection control guidelines that define an outbreak as three or more people (care recipients or staff) showing symptoms within the same three day period. ”

4.8 Catering, cleaning and laundry

“Management cannot demonstrate that hospitality services are provided in a way that enhances care recipients’ quality of life and the staff working environment. Infection control cleaning procedures were not consistently implemented during the influenza and respiratory outbreak of August 2017 and September 2017.”

St Johns Hostel Fails AACQA Audit.




[blog_subscription_form]

ACQA Reports St. John's Aged Care Failures

ACQA Reports St. John's Aged Care Failures - Melbourne Age in an article by Michael Bachelard and Ebony Bowden reports -

Ten flu deaths at nursing home amid serious management failure

"A fatal flu outbreak at a Wangaratta nursing home, where 10 residents died of influenza and two others from respiratory illness, was worsened by serious management failures, a scathing government audit has found.

In response, the St John's Village nursing home accepted the resignation of its own former acting care services manager and referred him to his professional body for potential sanction.

A federal government audit of the St John's Village home, which was ordered after the catastrophic outbreak, has found it took days after infections began in August for management to report the outbreak."

Read the detailed article here:- http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/ten-flu-deaths-at-nursing-home-amid-serious-management-failure-20171113-gzk29h.html

[blog_subscription_form]

Infection Control Procedures

Australian Ageing Agenda reports -

"The Minister for Aged Care has ordered an “urgent review” into the infectious disease management practices of all aged care facilities following an increase in flu-related deaths in residential aged care this winter.

Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt told AAA the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency would “examine the management of infectious diseases outbreak procedures, including vaccinations of staff and residents, across the aged care sector.”

Questions posed by AAA to Minister Wyatt regarding the scope and nature of the agency’s review were referred to the quality agency.

The details of how the examination will be conducted and what it will involve are currently being finalised, a spokesperson for the quality agency told AAA on Wednesday morning.

The review announcement came on Sunday when Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care Key Wyatt also announced that Australia’s chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy would look at ways to boost vaccination rates among residential aged care workers including making the flu vaccination compulsory.

Both investigations have been prompted by the deaths of now eight residents at St John’s Retirement Village in Wangaratta in Victoria and reports of fatalities from the flu at Strathdevon Aged Care in Tasmania.

“Older people are always vulnerable to the flu, but the many deaths this year are unacceptable,” Mr Wyatt said.

Minister Wyatt said he has also instructed the quality agency to conduct a review audit of the St John’s Wangaratta and the Strathdevon aged care facilities to assess their performance against the 44 accreditation standards, which includes infection control systems and processes.

“The quality agency has been advised that the Strathdevon home is being reopened, meaning this review audit will begin on Monday, 11 September,” Mr Wyatt said.

“The review audit of St John’s Wangaratta is also expected to start next week but this will depend on when the home is reopened,” he said.

The completed review audit reports will be provided to the secretary of the Department of Health and will be published on the quality agency’s website."

 



 

7 Deaths @ St. Johns Wangaratta

ABC News Reports:-

Seven elderly residents from a nursing home in Victoria's north-east have died during a flu outbreak, the state's health authorities say. The deaths occurred at St John's Retirement Village in Wangaratta, which is run by the Anglican Church.

The Department of Health and Human Services said the retirement village had 146 residents and 200 staff, with 123 people affected by flu during an outbreak over the past few weeks.

The seven residents who died were aged between 70 and 94, and had other conditions that made them particularly susceptible.

The department said it had worked with the facility to manage the outbreak and ensure strict infection control measures.

It said the outbreak was now subsiding.

Wangaratta Bishop John Parkes said the outbreak has been an "extraordinary and unusual event" unlike any they had ever experienced before.

"It has been a very difficult time," he said.

"Of course the tragedy is we've lost seven residents who are part of the St John's family and that is dreadful for them, for their families and for the staff and the organisation."

"But we mourn the loss of any resident and seven [dead] in one influenza epidemic is a tragedy for their families and for us."

Thirteen people are still sick at the home, which will be in lock-down for at least another week as long as no-one else develops flu.

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said as soon as the outbreak is over, the facility will be audited.

"My thoughts are with the families of those affected," he said.

"The Australian Aged Care Quality Agency will conduct an urgent review audit of the Wangaratta retirement and nursing home facility."

Victoria's acting chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said the flu is particularly dangerous for frail people in aged care facilities.

"The deaths have occurred mostly in the last week, they were all in elderly people in their 70s [and] into their 90s, all with pre-existing conditions so they were vulnerable to significant illness," he said.

"It's a reminder that flu is really deadly."

There have been twice as many outbreaks of the flu this year than there were in 2016, with 208 respiratory outbreaks in aged care homes this year compared with 104 for the same period last year.

The health department said there had been more than 11,300 confirmed cases in Victoria in 2017, with many more notifications still expected.

"We've had aged care facilities hit particularly hard this year with a record number of outbreaks in those settings and we've had elderly people in general affected more than most years," Dr Sutton said.

"They [the elderly] are vaccinated in aged care facilities largely, including this one, but the vaccine doesn't work as well in the very elderly so it's incumbent upon those who are visiting and the staff in those facilities to try and be immunised and to exclude themselves from work if they're unwell."