Blue Care’s home in Mareeba, west of Cairns, has been found non-compliant in all eight standards following a recent audit by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).
While the facility’s accreditation remains in place, the June audit found numerous issues, including that:
- inadequate staffing is leading to issues with resident hygiene and care;
- people with dementia are not able to attend activities;
- residents have been disrespected and sometimes physically abused;
- some do not have access to needed health professionals;
- care provided is not culturally safe;
- management of issues such as pain, medication, falls, wounds, and behaviour is insufficient; and
- residents have been reluctant to speak up for fear of reprisal.
In a statement, Blue Care said it is taking the matter seriously, and has “acted swiftly and
comprehensively to improve the standard of care at Mareeba” in accordance with the results of the audit and its own internal investigations.
“We regret these findings and sincerely apologise to residents and their families that their home did not meet the quality standards. We aim to provide the care and environment our residents and their families rightly expect and deserve.
“Improvement actions are well progressed and we are determined to ensure that care standards at Mareeba not only meet but exceed the expectations of our residents and their families.
“We are working openly and transparently with the ACQSC, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, our residents and their families and the local community to complete improvements at the site,” the provider said.
