Aged care abuse allegations ‘unfortunate’

“As a body for aged care providers, Leading Age Services Australia’s (LASA) top priority is high quality care and services that not only meet the needs of older Australians but ensure they live well,” says Patrick Reid, LASA chief executive.

“It is not useful to anyone for LASA to make comment on a specific case when we are not fully appraised of the circumstances. We must be very clear, however, to say LASA has a zero policy of malfeasance in age services,” he adds.

The Bundaberg aged care facility in question issued a statement in response to an article, originally featured in The Australian, which claimed residents were subjected to abuse and neglect.

The aged care provider confirmed two management staff ceased employment with the facility following an internal investigation last December.

The statement by the aged care provider's chief executive, claims a complaint regarding the particular facility was raised on 5 December 2014 and was taken “seriously”.

The statement detailed the investigation identified the complaints were legitimate and raised issues which were concerning.

Consequently, the manager of the facility ceased employment with the provider on 18 December 2014 and all complaints were reportedly resolved to the satisfaction of the complaintants the following day.

The regional manager with direct oversight of the facility has also reportedly ceased employment with the provider, which “categorically rejects” the allegation that the facility engaged in any sort of “cover up”.

While the aged care provider in question is not a member of LASA, Mr Reid pledges to work alongside any provider, stakeholder or government in an effort to implement and maintain the highest standards possible.

“There is complexity in the delivery of any human service provision, but even more so when caring for our most vulnerable, older Australians. For a number of years LASA has advocated that government funding does not meet the demonstrated care needs of older Australians,” he says.

“Funding is not the only issue, nor do we use it as a scapegoat for allegations of serious neglect and breaches of standards that ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.

“When government funding does not meet the care that is deemed necessary for the individual it is clearly not a position that can be sustained. LASA is committed to working with stakeholders and government as the voice of industry to address what is simply a critical area of essential human services policy that requires a more constructive focus from policy makers.”

Another peak body for aged care services, Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA), claims it is “unfortunate” that allegations such as these arise from time to time.

Adjunct Professor John Kelly AM, ACSA chief executive, claims the article in The Australian raises issues of concern.

“As the peak body representing church, charity and mission based not for profit providers we are totally supportive of rigorous complaints and investigate procedures by providers and regulators to ensure that acceptable standards of care are maintained and the quality of care delivered to clients and residents is what is expected,” he says.

“In a system that cares for 230,000 people in residential aged care and more than 750,000 in community care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every year, it is unfortunate that allegations such as these arise from time to time.

“The importance and benefit of rigorous investigative processes ensure that these types of incidents remain isolated and enable the sector to focus on delivering the quality care that clients and residents deserve and demand.”

ACSA will also cooperate with the relevant provider and the regulator in investigating and resolving the allegations.