Sanctions have been imposed on Regis’ Nedlands aged care home in Perth’s western suburbs while a police investigation into allegations of elder abuse – and two deaths – at the facility continues.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) imposed the sanctions because of “an immediate and severe risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of residents” including concerns about pain management, wound care, falls, challenging behaviours and allegations of sexual assaults and rough handling.
The initial complaints about that facility were made by at least one university student completing work experience between 11 and 14 January.
In a statement, Regis confirmed it had received further allegations of 17 incidents involving an additional 14 residents.
The sanctions require the operator to have staff having to complete training in personal care, falls management, pain management, wound management, elder abuse and behaviour management.
The Nedlands facility is also banned from receiving any Federal Government funding for new admissions for the next six months.
Separately, police have launched an investigation that includes looking at the recent deaths of two residents.
“We await their report,” said Regis in their statement.
“It is important to note here that any allegation must be appropriately investigated. To date, the most serious allegations have not been substantiated.”
However, the provider says it has accepted the findings of non-compliance by the ACQSC.
“Our first priority is taking all necessary actions to ensure resident care is delivered to the highest possible standards,” it said.
