Lyndoch Living is continuing an overhaul of services at Terang's May Noonan aged care centre after a federal audit found it was non-compliant in seven of eight main categories.
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A site audit was conducted between April 20 and 22, provider Lyndoch Living has put in a response and the performance report was published on July 2.
The May Noonan centre was acquired by Lyndoch Living in December 2018, with a vision to renew and improve on the delivery of hostel services to the Terang and district community.
Earlier this month the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission re-accredited the May Noonan centre.
It found the centre was compliant with 23 of the 42 aged care quality standards and had demonstrated a strong commitment to address the other 19 areas.
A Lyndoch spokeswoman said the management team had now completed a full assessment of all residents.
Their care documentation has been updated and was now tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual.
The audit assessment team found that management and staff did not understand chemical and environmental restraint.
"Management said no consumers were subject to chemical restraint, however the assessment team identified four consumers during the audit," the report stated.
Lyndoch's response included information that two consumers diagnosed with dementia were prescribed medication and both had regular reviews.
The report noted that administering psychotropic medication for dementia is classified as chemical restraints irrespective of whether reviews have resulted in a reduction in the use of medication.
Taking all evidence into consideration the report says management do not have an effective understanding of chemical or environmental restraints and are not aware of the legislated responsibilities and processes associated with minimisation of chemical restraint, the report stated.
Other areas for improvement to ensure compliance include:
- Ensure effective processes are in place to involve the consumer in the assessment, planning and review of consumers' care and services.
- Implement processes to ensure plans of care are readily available to consumers.
- Review staff practices in relation to pain management, skin integrity and pressure injuries.
- Review processes and staff practices in relation to use of restrictive practices.
- Ensure staff are skilled to recognise and respond to change or deterioration in a
- consumer in a timely manner.
- Ensure processes enable the timely maintenance of the internal and external service environment.
- Ensure consumers, representatives and others feel encouraged and supported to
- raise feedback and complaints.
- Ensure monitoring systems identify staff knowledge and skills deficits.
- Ensure the care documentation system is used effectively so current and
- accurate information is available to staff and management.
- Ensure management and staff understand and can identify chemical restraint.
- Ensure legislated principles associated with minimising chemical restraint are
- applied for consumers subject to chemical restraint.
- Ensure the service has effective systems to monitor psychotropic medications.
Lyndoch chief executive officer Doreen Power said all residents and their representatives were personally notified of the outcomes and the plan for improvement.
"We continue to work proactively with the commission to meet the new requirements and legislation," she said.
"About 45 per cent of aged-care facilities that had undergone this accreditation process had been given 'not meets.'
"It's a different system and as an aged-care sector we are learning and working together to improve the delivery of quality care and services.
"Aged care across the nation is reviewing their policies and procedures and how to comply with a range of new legislation and requirements."
Ms Power said at the May Noonan centre, Lyndoch was looking at how to support the team in providing safe, quality care that met the changed expectations.
She said after the report was released, the managers were immediately briefed and action was taken.
"We've taken the new requirements and legislation on board, we've reviewed our policies and care documentation, and we're making sure the team understands and implements the changes," she said.
"As the commission has provided re-accreditation for another two years, it shows that they are confident in our commitment to the changes we have made and are making."
The May Noonan centre is currently undergoing a $400,000 refurbishment.
Works were initially planned to start in March last year, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant the improvements had to be put on hold until May this year.
Lyndoch board president Sue Cassidy said it was exciting to see the works finally start.
"The residents will be proud to call May Noonan home. This is only the start of the amazing future plans for the centre," she said.
"Comfort, dignity, and care have been essential factors in planning every element of the refurbishment.
"The design uses specific materials to reduce noise by improving the acoustics, flooring for easy mobility access, natural and ambient lighting, and clarifying the lounge, dining, and library zones, all topped off with new furniture.
"We care for and are privileged to work in an environment where we can create value through strong community connections.
"This refurbishment enables our residents to enjoy a dignified, engaging, fulfilling and a rewarding lifestyle."
Lyndoch provides homes to 253 people in a supported environment through the employment of 535 people, who extend their services to 10,900 members across the community.
It began in 1952 as a twelve-bed hostel and has grown into a large provider of aged and community care, and health and wellness services across the south-west.
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