Mar 05, 2018

It’s Time to “Speak Out, Speak Up” says Aged Care Advocacy Group

Bundaberg, Queensland has their fair share of controversies in terms of aged care. And not just for one facility.

Not long ago Blue Care’s Bundaberg facility was in trouble for after a spot inspection revealed 19 issues – including failing to respond to a resident’s cries for help and failing to feed or underfeeding residents.

And TriCare’s facility were accused of neglect and understaffing.

Because of this, Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia have moved an advocate to the area to support residents and their families who have issues with their providers.

CEO, Geoff Rowe advises the elderly and their families to “speak out, speak up” and lets them know that ADAA  are available to help.

“If they’ve got concerns around aged care there are a number of options for people to make contact with regards to those concerns,” he told News Mail.

 

The ADAA aim to speak and work on the behalf of the elderly. This is a positive move for the aged care sector as these advocates are looking to improve the care that residents receive. No one needs to settle for poor care and feeling helping to do anything about it.

“People can access us and I encourage people to do that,” he said.

“If their concerns are serious then we’ll help people to escalate them. As a starting point we’re more than happy to provide services,” he said.

“We’re absolutely an advocate for the elderly. It’s really important for people to understand that just because they’re in aged care doesn’t mean they don’t have rights.”

The issues seen in Bundaberg are no exclusive to them alone, residents all around Australia face issues of poor care, poor food quality, neglect, medication mismanagement and various other issues.

One of the biggest challenges for vulnerable residents is that they are not aware of what to do should they have issues with their providers.

The first step is to say something to a staff member or a manager at the facility, and to see if they can manage the issue internally.

“A lot of providers welcome feedback about their services but not all do.”

“For many [residents], they are fearful and fearful of retribution,” he said.

If that does not lead to a positive outcomes, there are advocacy groups like the Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia, as well the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner who can help.

If resident are facing serious abuse, and are being harmed, it’s essential to call the police.

What do you have to say? Comment, share and like below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Aged Care Abuse: South Australia’s Mental Health Minister Steps Down Ahead of Damning Oakden Report

South Australia’s mental health minister, who was at the centre of the Oakden Aged Care scandal has just announced that she will not contest the upcoming state election this March. Minister Leesa Vlahos was widely criticised for her handling of the abuse and neglect allegation made against the state-run mental health facility. There were allegations... Read More

Will Aged Care Buckle Under The Weight of Obese Elders?

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare advise that 1 in 5 seniors are obese and that this number has trebled over the last 20 years. A recent report out of the US highlighted the increasing number of elderly clients in aged care who were morbidly obese and as a result were in need of... Read More

Quality commissioner responds to claims that quality assessors have become more “aggressive”.

Janet Anderson, commissioner with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, has responded to claims recently published in HelloCare, that aged care quality assessors have become more aggressive. We have published her response below. The role of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is to protect and enhance the safety, health, well-being and quality of life... Read More
Advertisement