Aged Care Matters Dr Sarah Russell www agedcarematters

Aged Care Matters Dr Sarah Russell www. agedcarematters. net. au

An aged care facility in crisis: consumer action to improve standards of care Ø 25 relatives Ø Complaints about manager Ø Allegations of negligence, abuse and theft

Ø The importance of a quick and genuine apology Ø The importance of the provider taking relatives’ concerns seriously – and taking action Ø The vital role a manager plays in any aged care home

Ø Staffing Ø Accreditation Ø Aged Care Funding Instrument Ø Complaints scheme Ø Living wills Ø Polypharmacy in older people

Living well in an aged care home Ø What do you like about the aged care home that you visit? Ø What don't you like about the aged care home that you visit? Ø If you could change ONE thing to improve services in the aged care home, what would you change?

“It is policy. She must have a day incontinence pad because it is day time”

“I just work here. I do what I am told. ”

“I need you to let my staff do their jobs… Interfering with Mum's care is not helping her. ”

“I hope you will re-consider your comments in your email and perhaps educate your less experienced staff about working in partnership with family members. Some relatives want to be involved in ‘hands-on’ care, others don’t. I believe this should be our decision, not yours. ”

ØProfiteering: the disgrace infecting aged care homes; ØWe’re ignoring the needs of our ageing population; ØHere’s why we need nurse-resident ratios in aged care homes; and ØAged care reforms: who really benefits? ØThe markets must stay out of aged care

Ø People concerned about residents’ quality of life in aged care homes Ø Focus on solutions, not problems Ø Collaborations with key stakeholders* *Includes residents and relatives