Tamworth Bupa Aged Care: Elderly at serious risk, audit finds

An audit found it had bitterly failed 39 out of 42 standards, including clinical care, skin and wound care, bowel and behaviour management.

The damning Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission review found the residents were at high risk of falls, pressure injuries, unintended weight-loss and medication mismanagement.

Bupa Aged Care Australia's managing director Suzanne Dvorak admitted the service had let people down.

"We are very sorry and we are making the necessary improvements to put things right," she said.

"I can assure you that we are taking our responsibility very seriously and we are committed to ensuring we support our residents with care and respect every day."

Despite the huge failure, the Tamworth nursing home has not had its accreditation removed.

The November review found that when clients deteriorate physically or mentally their condition is not being monitored.

On some occasions residents were denied referrals to health professionals, even when they needed and asked for them.

There was evidence residents felt disrespected by staff who did not help them maintain relationships.

The review also found elderly people were being intruded on by others with behavioural problems.

That aside, furniture and equipment were unclean and the staff continued to serve the winter menu in October.

Bupa Tamworth's accreditation expires in June and it has been placed on an improvement timetable until then.

Read also:

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson said the service's non-compliance had placed the well-being of consumers at serious risk.

"The Department [of Health] found there was an immediate and severe risk to the safety, health or well-being of care recipients at the service," she said.

Bupa Aged Care Australia's Tamworth home has been sanctioned.

Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first