Aged care meets the standards in Tasmania

All 92 aged care homes in Tasmania are accredited, with 91% compliant in all 44 standards monitored by The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd on a regular basis, according to the Agency?s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Brandon. Aged care providers are required by law to provide high quality care to all residents.

During the 12 months to the 31st March 2005, the Agency undertook 144 visits to homes in Tasmania. In fact, one in five visits was a spot check during the last 12 months.

"The amount of non-compliance found as a result of these visits is quite low," Mr Brandon said. "The Agency continues to work with non-compliant homes to improve their standards and become fully compliant within a short time frame."

"Homes that have some non-compliance continue to be accredited if they pose no risk to the safety and well-being of its residents," Mr Brandon said.

"Through our dual roles of accreditation and education, we continue to monitor and work with such homes and focus on achieving the best outcomes for residents.

"Our assessments consist of site visits, both announced and unannounced, and include assessors speaking to staff, residents and their families about any concerns they may have," he said.

For an aged care home to be accredited it is required by law to employ appropriate numbers of skilled and qualified staff. The aged care sector has the responsibility for developing its workforce and for ensuring that staff are qualified and have the necessary skills.

"We work closely with the Department of Health and Ageing and the aged care sector to continually improve the standard and quality of care in aged care homes," the CEO said.

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