Medication management and skin care will be monitored at a Figtree aged care home after sanctions were imposed following a government audit.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These areas of resident care – and others – will be closely reviewed at Hillside at Figtree by government agencies over the next six months.
It comes after a review by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency in mid April identified ‘’serious concerns’’ about residents’ health and safety at the facility.
The Federal Department of Health subsequently imposed a number of sanctions on the aged care provider on April 22.
A department spokesman said the Quality Agency undertook an audit review at Hillside at Figtree following ‘’receipt of information’’ from the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner.
‘’The concerns identified are in relation to clinical care, specialised nursing care, medication management, skin care and behavioural management,’’ a department spokesman said.
‘’The Quality Agency found the home failed to comply with the accreditation standards and that those failures had placed or may place the safety, health or well-being of care recipients at serious risk.’’
Hillside at Figtree has been warned that its approval as a provider of aged care services will be revoked unless an advisor is appointed for that period, and staff training is provided.
The facility will also not be eligible for funding for any new residents for the six months.
Hillside director Maurice Tulich said the concerns were being addressed. A nurse advisor had been engaged, and staff would receive ongoing training.
A meeting between the provider, and residents and families, will take place onsite on Wednesday afternoon.
The department spokesman said the department and the Quality Agency would continue to visit the home regularly and monitor its ‘’progress towards compliance’’.
Mr Tulich said Hillside would work closely with the agency and were ‘’committed to achieving the highest standards’’.
‘’We are also continuing to work closely with the residents, their families and representatives to ensure our future outcomes best represent the individual needs of each of our residents,’’ he said.
