Findings on Brighton Aged Care released
The Adelaide home was found to be non-compliant in 17 areas and is currently working to improve quality of care.
The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency has reduced the accreditation period for the Brighton Aged Care facility by one month after revealing that the home was non-compliant with 17 of the 44 expected outcomes.
Issues with the Adelaide-based home were first raised on 1 August when the agency conducted a full review audit at the facility.
A fortnight later, the Department of Health and Ageing issued the facility with a Notice of Non-Compliance and a Notice of Required Action after departmental officers identified serious concerns with specific cases.
The home was subject to the initial review because it is operated by the Japara Group – the same company that runs the Kirralee facility in East Ballarat, which was found to be non-compliant with 33 expected outcomes last month.
The Japara Group took control of the Brighton facility in March, when the home’s former operator, Bresant Pty Ltd, had its approved provider status revoked.
A spokesperson for Japara told Australian Ageing Agenda that the home’s staff members are working hard to improve the quality of care.
“Since we took over Brighton Aged Care in March this year, we have been systematically working to improve the quality of care at the facility,” the spokesperson said.
“Our highest priority is providing the best quality of care for the residents.
“We have a proud record of turning around under-performing aged care facilities and bringing them up to the highest standards.
“Obviously we are disappointed that our efforts at Brighton over the last few months have not been sufficient but we are working to bring it up to the highest standards as soon as possible.”
“We will implement all the steps required of us by the agency and the department and residents and families should be assured that our dedicated staff are working to provide the highest standards of care for the residents,” said the spokesperson.
The agency has given the home five days to respond to two more areas of possible non-compliance – clinical care and oral care – that were identified in a follow-up visit.
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said in a statement that she would make no apologies for the tough measures taken.
“Older Australians in aged care deserve good care and any home failing will be dealt with,” she said.
“The welfare of the residents was the government’s primary concern and that is why the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency and Department of Health and Ageing are monitoring the facility”.
The facility will need to re-apply for accreditation in November. It is expected that it will undergo an accreditation site visit in October.
