Author: Jake Lovett

This report includes information, data and insights into how aged care providers performed in Quarter 3 (Q3) 2023. Q3 covers the period from 1 January to 31 March 2023.

The report uses information collected by the Aged Care Safety and Quality Commission.

Most frequently cited requirements where non-compliance was found

1. 3a: Safe and effective personal and clinical care
2. 8c: Effective governance systems
3. 8d: Risk management systems and practices
4. 3b: High impact or high prevalence risks managed effectively
5. 7a: Number and mix of workforce

Most common complaint issues

1. Medication administration and management
2. Personal and oral hygiene
3. Personnel – number/sufficiency
4. Representative/family consultation and communication
5. Falls prevention and post fall management

Read more:

Sector performance report – January – March 2023 (.pdf)

The Department of Health & Aged Care have released updates to the Guiding principles for medication management in residential aged care facilities documents:

They have released updated and/or new guides on:

1. Guiding principles for medication management in residential aged care facilities (.pdf)
2. User Guide – Role of a Medication Advisory Committee (.pdf)
3. Fact Sheet – Achieving continuity in medication management (.pdf)
4. Audit tool and checklist for a Medication Advisory Committee (MAC) (.pdf)

Dr Melanie Wroth MB BS, FRACP
Chief Clinical Advisor

This alert is in response to a recent Coronial report from Tasmania where an aged care resident was severely injured and subsequently died from a fall due to hoist failure.

I would like to remind providers of their obligations to ensure there is clear oversight for maintenance checking and servicing of equipment used in aged care.

Records of maintenance schedules should be kept for all equipment. It should also be clear who is responsible to monitor checking dates, arrange for checking/servicing of equipment according to manufacturer recommendations, scheduling technician visits, and ensuring that follow up actions occur.

Specific use limitations must also be adhered to e.g. weight or load limits.

Read More:

Clinical Alerts: The importance of preventing equipment failures