Better practice in aged care - WA Nov 2005

Bird watching, backyard sheds, and music therapy ? these are just some of the activities now being offered by modern aged care homes in WA to provide a better quality of life for residents.

“In the last 10 years we have seen a world of difference in the standards of care in Australian aged care homes,” according to the CEO of the independent body responsible for accrediting the 3,000 homes in Australia.

“There is always room for improvement,” according to Mark Brandon, CEO of The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.

“We know that those who run aged care homes and provide the care are always receptive to new ideas and hearing ideas from others. This is why we are highlighting Better Practice in aged care at a Perth seminar with more than 60 speakers, covering topics as diverse as providing a backyard shed for male residents; ethical issues relating to palliative care, the benefits of singing and music therapy, and finding out why oral health is the vital link to maintaining a healthy weight.”

As well as the lifestyle issues, other topics will include medication management, clinical care, and corporate governance of aged care homes.

Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Pru Goward, will be one of the guest speakers, with a futuristic look at aged care in a changing world, while David Hawkes, retired broadcaster, will tell us what he would expect of a residential aged care home.

Full details of the programme, to be held at the Duxton Hotel on 10 and 11 November, can be viewed at www.accreditation.org.au



For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Liz Blieschke, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, (02) 8831 1033, 0438 446 466
Lisa Smith, Corporate Affairs Officer, (02) 8831 1016

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