We all have a vested interest in aged care. Whether the recommendations of the Royal Commission are sound and implemented will answer the vital Four Corners question Who Cares? From 1 July 2018, residential aged care homes are no longer given notice of the date of their AACQA re-accreditation audit. Under a crackdown by the national auditor following the Oakden scandal, unannounced audits are catching some homes […]
While reviewing my digital solution to measuring food consumption, I quantified the problem and solution. It is estimated that 40-70% of the elderly experience malnutrition or the risk of malnutrition. This can lead to many issues including increased risk of frailty, falls, illness, injury, dementia, behavioural issues, reduced quality of life and premature death. Malnutrition can result from not eating enough food throughout the day, caused by […]
October’s #TheLanternProject attendees had the privilege of listening to Australian Aged Care Quality Agency CEO Nick Ryan explaining the significance of the new Quality Standard 1 – Consumer Dignity and Choice and its impact on meals and the dining experience (Standard 4) in aged care. Nick explained that the current standards are 20 years old, and were predominantly discussions between government and providers. The consumers were not […]
“Don’t worry dear, you will get used to it”. “It takes a while to settle in and get used to the way things are done around here.” These are comments I frequently hear residents telling new residents in aged care facilities. For many aged care homes and providers, tasks and a focus on compliance and safety still beat the drum. Person-centred care is the dream but far […]
My 54 yo sister just moved into aged care after being accidentally hit by a car. She was already wheelchair bound with an MS like condition. No longer can Mum manage – becoming a carer at 83. First impressions for my sis were the keenness of staff to do everything for her. Cut her food, put a clothing protector on her, push her around in the wheelchair, […]
Recently, Dr Bill Thomas, Founder of The Eden Alternative spoke at the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency Better Practice Conference. Bill had a very clear message: we must ditch our current care methodology – WHAT YOU NEED. This one way offering of competently providing the best services and support we think you need – services that are most easily monetised, measured and available for reimbursement. People are less […]
In residential aged care I often see similar meal offerings: 4 week revolving Dietitian-approved seasonal menu 1 or 2 hot choices for the main meal Morning and afternoon tea Soup in the evening Fish on Fridays Salad or sandwich for alternatives Standard meal hours Meals fresh cooked onsite Qualified Chef onsite Here are some ways to innovate your menu offerings: Rolling menu – Creating and introducing a […]
Too often improving the meal service can seem like winners and losers in a Chess game, with some moves knocking out the other side (staff, residents, family) and unintentionally compromising other parts of the meal service (quality, safety, compliance). Each “move” or idea should progress the service forward, without unintended consequences for the next move and other pieces of the strategy. With 45+ “functional stakeholders” who can […]
Emphasis on the aged care dining experience has increased with a transitioning demographic, new providers entering the sector, influence of family & social media and movement towards a resident co-contribution model. Where does the focus on quality stop and the concentration on compliance, safety, task and process take over when providing meals in residential aged care? At the oven in the kitchen? When food is delivered to […]
Last night I went to the launch of the Australian Technology Network of Universities Future Skills Series at QUT Brisbane. Speakers discussed future learning, capabilities for future career success, internal entrepreneurialism and designing your life by Kaizen. I reflected on staff skill-building and knowledge transfer for aged care staff, particularly catering staff. Many caring, dedicated staff I work with have been in their role for 10, 20, 25 […]