Medication and behaviour management resources
New government resources to assist the delivery of best practice in aged care medication and behaviour management have just been released.
A trio of resources to assist the delivery of best practice in aged care medication and behaviour management was released by the government yesterday.
The release comprises updated guidelines on medication management in residential aged care facilities with an accompanying guide for residents and carers, plus two decision-making toolkits for supporting a restraint free environment – one for residential aged care and one for community aged care.
Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the resources reflect the latest research and accepted better practice.
“All of these guides will not only help to improve residents’ health, but also their quality of life,” Mr Butler said in a statement.
Medication management
The guiding principles are intended to promote safe and appropriate medication management and assist facilities to develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures.
The new guidelines on medication management is an update on the 2002 edition, which was evaluated in 2007.
The subsequent review involved peak organisations and medication management experts, providers, staff, health care professionals, and resident and carer representatives.
The guiding principles will support care managers and staff by helping them to develop, put into practice and continuously assess their policies and procedures, Mr Butler said.
“The accompanying guide outlines questions and answers that tackle some key topics in the guiding principles, helping residents and carers to play an active part in the safe management of medicines.”
In applying the guidelines, facilities must comply with all national and state legislation and regulation, plus meet other requirements such as licensing and accreditation standards and requirements.
A restraint free environment
The two decision-making tools provide workers in community and residential settings alternatives to using restraint.
It is based on the policy that restraint must always be the last resort after all reasonable alternative management options have been exhausted.
“The tools cover organisational, environmental, physical and psychosocial considerations, and set out practical strategies that reduce the need to consider restraint as a care option, Mr Butler said.
“It is important that we provide staff and managers with the right skills and knowledge to ensure a safe and respectful environment for older Australians receiving care.”
The toolkits contain handbooks, posters, checklists and an information leaflet for relatives and carers.
Australian Government-funded residential aged care facilities will receive copies of the guidelines, decision-making tools and promotional materials over the coming weeks, the Department of Health and Ageing said.
And all the materials are available on the department’s website. Links to relevant pages below:
Guiding principles for medication management in residential aged care facilities – 2012
Decision-Making Tool: Supporting a Restraint Free Environment in Residential Aged Care
Decision-Making Tool: Supporting a Restraint Free Environment in Community Aged Care
