Residential aged care is for older people who can no longer live at home. Reasons can include illness, disability or bereavement.

It could be to meet the needs of a carer, family or friends, or because it is no longer possible to manage at home without help. Aged care homes are owned and operated by people or organisations that have the approval of the government to provide nursing care for older people. There was a major update of rules governing aged care facilities such as nursing homes in the late 1990s, and now there are strict guidelines for monitoring services and care.

Who monitors aged care?

The federal government introduced ways to monitor the quality of care and services provided in Australian Government funded aged care homes. All funded homes must meet required accreditation standards and demonstrate continuous improvement regarding the quality of care and services provided to residents. The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency assesses aged care homes for accreditation and monitors homes to ensure their ongoing compliance with the accreditation standards. As part of the reforms over the last decade, the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency increased the number of unannounced spot checks it conducts in locations across the country. Providers who are giving quality care have nothing to fear from these government agency inspections.

Background checks on staff

Not only are the services and facilities monitored by the government, but employees of aged care homes are required to undergo police background checks to ensure they have no history of serious violence or abuse against vulnerable people. Police check requirements were implemented in 2007 and strengthened in 2009 as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to protect the health safety and well-being of vulnerable and aged care recipients. Police checks are intended to complement robust recruitment practices and are part of an approved provider’s responsibilities to ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable to provide home care services to the aged. Aged care homes and retirement homes can be accredited by the government-appointed Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency for up to three years, but if there is a serious concern with the care, safety or well-being of residents, the accreditation period can be reduced, or revoked. The Agency will also refer serious matters to the Department of Health and Ageing for consideration.

What to look for in a well-monitored nursing home

• Do patients appear happy and well taken care of?
• Is the building clean and well maintained?
• Are wheelchairs and other equipment in clean working order?
• Are activity calendars posted with a variety and sufficient number of activities for patients to choose from each day?

When it comes to monitoring aged care homes, each home receives at least one unannounced visit each year from a government agency. Once a home is accredited the agency will continue to monitor the home through a combination of announced and unannounced visits to ensure residents continue to receive a high level of care as required by the Accreditation Standards. Looking after the elderly has often become a media issue and you can be assured the government takes its responsibilities seriously.