In a rare step, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) has revoked the approved provider status of the 30-bed standalone, family-owned aged care home in Ringwood North, 25km east of Melbourne's CBD, cutting off its Government funding.
A regulator's report said all 19 residents at Della Dale Aged Care were prescribed psychotropic medications, but use of the drugs was not managed, planned, monitored or reviewed as required by the Aged Care Quality Standards. One residents was prescribed five psychotropic medications, yet the home offered only minimal oversight of the medication.
ACQSC Commissioner Liz Hefren-Webb said the commission issued a notice to revoke the approved provider status of NDN Care Services Pty Ltd, the provider of Della Dale Aged Care, in May.
“This decision came following serious concerns about the provider’s ability to meet its responsibilities to provide safe, quality care,” Ms Hefren-Webb said.
“The revocation decision, the commission’s most severe form of regulatory action, is set to take effect on 26 September."
The report also said an "extreme form of physical restraint" was used without consideration of the resident's safety or wellbeing.
Pressure wounds were not identified until they became "advanced", and assessments found there was no monitoring of unexplained weight loss.
At the time of the assessor's visit, the front door was locked and access to outdoor areas was not possible without assistance.
On 26 May 2025, the ACQSC issued two sanctions to the 30-bed aged care home after an "immediate and severe risk to the safety, health or wellbeing" of the residents was identified.
The first sanction prevents the provider from receiving Government subsidies for new residents from 26 May 2025.
The second sanction ends Government subsidies to the home from 26 September 2025.
Until then, the provider is still responsible for ensuring the residents receive appropriate care. The ACQSC said it will continue monitoring the home to ensure the residents are safe and receiving the care they need.