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PDF printable version of Australian Government Acts on Victorian Nursing Home (PDF 25 KB)

13 May 2009

Last night, the Australian Government imposed sanctions on Domain Seahaven in Inverloch in southern Victoria saying that the nursing home had not fixed previous non-compliance.

The Department of Health and Ageing imposed sanctions due to continuing issues of concern identified by the independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency during a support visit on April 21.

The official sanction was served on May 12 to Domain Aged Care (Services) Pty Ltd.

Domain Seahaven is a 109 place facility. Currently, it has 104 residents; of whom 71 are high care and 33 are low care. The aged care home has 26 residents over the age of 90.

The Department of Health and Ageing had concerns about:

• Poor care plans that did not provide individualised instruction for clinical care and behavioural management;
• Poor wound management and weight management;
• Inadequate systems and processes to monitor and assess clinical conditions and incidents;
• Inadequate systems and processes to identify relevant legislation, standards and guidelines; and
• Lack of an activity program for residents leading to a rise in behavioural issues, due to the resignation of the activities coordinator.

In the 2007-2008 financial year, Domain Seahaven received nearly $4.624 million in Australian Government funding for resident care.

Nationally, there are now 14 nursing homes under sanction out of a possible 2,830 aged care homes.

As part of the Australian Government’s response to the sanctions’ notice, a range of tough measures are in place. They include:

• Ceasing Australian Government subsidies for any new residents admitted during the next three months;
• Requiring the provider to appoint an adviser, with nursing experience, approved by the Commonwealth, who has the appropriate skills, qualifications and background to assist the home to comply with their responsibilities for a period of three months;

The Agency and the Department of Health and Ageing will continue to monitor the home closely.

“We recognise that there are challenges in providing aged and community care in regional communities, but we will act when it is necessary,” the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said.

“This Government is committed to continuing to work in partnership with older Australians, their families, staff, unions and providers to improve the quality of aged care in Australia.

“The Rudd Labor Government is committed to improving the care and quality of Australia’s nursing homes and its residents – after 12 years of neglect by the previous government,” Mrs Elliot said.

Anyone with concerns about the care or welfare of residents should immediately contact the Department of Health and Ageing’s Complaints Investigation Scheme on 1 800 550 552.

Details: Contact Minister’ office on (02) 6277 7280