Three important changes to our operating framework have been introduced, coming into effect from 1 July:
● The new Aged Care Quality Standards replace the previous Accreditation Standards and are used to assess our operation and provision of services.
● The new Charter of Aged Care Rights which refocuses the previous legislation and is designed to make it easier for aged care residents, their families and carers to understand what they can expect from an aged care service provider. ● There have also been substantial changes to the Retirement Village Regulations relating to the operation of retirement villages in NSW and QLD.
We have also undertaken major upgrades to our systems including our clinical care, medication management and financial systems.
Gaynor Squillacioti our Chief Clinical Officer has undertaken a full review of our clinical policies and practices – overseeing a number of improvements to our procedures to ensure our compliance with the new standards. Most importantly, we are providing the best possible care and environment we can for our residents.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues its hearings. As an organisation we welcome the review of the industry by the Royal Commission, which we anticipate will bring change to the industry in terms of the care quality issues being highlighted and challenges in relation to the ongoing sustainability of the sector.
I would like to take the opportunity to recognise the contribution of our staff. Any organisation is only as strong as its staff and our dedicated people have embraced the policy, procedure and system changes that are being made, and continue to work tirelessly attending to the social, physical and emotional needs of our residents.
Our volunteers who support our residents in a wide variety of ways also contribute greatly to the daily lives of our residents. I would also like to thank them for the generous donation of their time.
