The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency’s report was released last week.

In October auditors reviewed patient records, emergency plan, issues register, and resident feedback.

Rather than revoking the centre’s accreditation, assessors recommended varying the period of accreditation, with at least one unannounced support visit each year.

The report found Silver Chain management were unable to demonstrate that a consistent approach in the provision of a safe and comfortable environment consistent with resident’s needs.

Residents were exposed to the concerning behaviours of other residents’ which placed at risk of injury.

Cleaning was another issue with both residents and representatives noting times where cleaning was not done in some areas.

Systems were not in place to cover police clearances, and training for education and staff development, particularly new staff, was provided on an ad hoc basis or not at all.

Staff working in the dementia area of the home did not have sufficient skills or knowledge to deliver care to residents with dementia-related illnesses.

Record keeping was described as inadequate, while confidential residents’ records were sometimes held in unlocked, unattended offices.

The report also criticised the home’s continence and bowel management practices, citing staff shortages as an issue in sticking to programs.

Mirrambeena managers were not able to ensure residents’ privacy, dignity, and confidentiality was respected.

The report also found a lack of awareness of residents’ leisure interests and activity needs, and staff were therefore unable to encourage and support residents to participate in activities of interest to them.

Silver Chain marketing and communications manager Nick Harvey said there were three grades of risk by assessors: non-compliance being the least, requiring three months to remedy before further assessment.

Second level is ‘serious risk’, and third and highest is ‘sanctions’.

He stressed that the issues were marked at the less serious end of the scale, and would all be addressed.

Mirrambeena is managed by Silver Chain Nursing Association and caters for 46 residents, 34 of whom require high care.

Mr Harvey said Silver Chain was negotiating with Baptist Care about their plan to take over the management of the facility early next year.