As we reported here, the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport is currently examining a bill put forward by SA Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie to require providers to report the break-down of staff by qualifications and let the Government know of any changes to staffing levels of more than 10% within 28 days.
Now it has released the 33 submissions made – and they make for interesting reading.
Not For Profit aged care provider HammondCare says while it supports the principles underlying the Bill, the changes would single out staffing ratios alone as a measure of quality and safety and “provide consumers with an incomplete picture”.
Around two-thirds of HammondCare’s aged care homes are built and run as small, stand-alone cottages catering to eight to 15 residents.
“In its current form, it does not clearly show that the cottage model has an overall higher ratio of care staff to residents than most standard aged care homes. This is an important measure that is meaningful to prospective consumers.”
“We are also concerned that the changes proposed in this Bill could disadvantage innovative models of care that offer a different approach to conventional aged care homes, while delivering improved outcomes for residents.”
A good argument.
