Aged care crisis deepens with 110 abuse and neglect incidents reported daily

A new report has revealed a shocking reality of how elderly Australians are being allegedly abused and neglected. Warning: Graphic

More than 110 incidents of abuse and neglect were reported to the aged care watchdog every day between April and June this year, with more than half relating to carers using “unreasonable force” on elderly residents.

Aged care providers alerted the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to more than 10,000 reportable incidents, with more than 6200 of those relating to carers using unreasonable force, 1604 were reports of possible incidences of neglect, 914 of psychological or emotional abuse and 452 accusations of unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct.

There were also 188 unexpected deaths reported in that period, 135 reports about stealing or financial coercion and 127 alleged incidents of inappropriate restrictive practices.

Aged Care Crisis advocate Lynda Saltarelli. Picture: Supplied

Aged Care Crisis spokeswoman Lynda Saltarelli, who has been fighting for reform for two decades, said the figures are horrifying and the much hyped Royal Commission hasn’t changed anything.

“We still have the same broken system, an unrestrained free market with the same industry-friendly regulator, the same people in charge, lots of promises, without much delivered,” Ms Saltarelli said.

“It’s like Groundhog Day.”

Ms Saltarelli said current policy has exposed many vulnerable citizens to the risk of exploitation by profit-focused operators.

“Staffing skills and numbers have fallen to dangerous levels and people are being harmed,” she said.

More than 6200 incidents of carers using unreasonable force were reported to the watchdog between April and May.

“If you go into aged care there is a very high probability you are going to suffer from neglect because of the workforce shortage. There’s also a chance you could be assaulted or sexually assaulted.”

The report shows that between April and June this year sanctions were applied to seven aged care homes and one service.

The measures are given for continuous compliance failures or when there’s an immediate and severe risk to the safety, health or wellbeing of residents.

Around a third of care homes received at least one complaint against them, slightly down compared with the previous two quarters.

Medication management was the number one concern, followed by personal and oral hygiene and lack of staff.

Dietitians Australia CEO Robert Hunt is fighting for better food in aged care homes.

There were 124 complaints about food in that three month period.

A report released in early October found that almost one in 10 people in aged care are suffering “significant unplanned” weight loss.

“Frankly, I am not surprised to see food quality and variety listed in the top ten complaints, given the evidence of atrociously presented, nutrient-deprived meals we continue to see served to so many residents in care,” Dietitians Australia CEO Robert Hunt said.

Aged care services saw an increase in complaints, up from 812 between July and September last year to 1071.

The commission said it reviews all serious reportable incidents within 24 hours of being notified and “will take appropriate and proportionate action as required”.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Aged Care said the government

was giving stronger powers to the watchdog, including increased investigative powers and criminal penalties for aged care providers not delivering.

From December the commission will also be able to ban people from working in aged care for very serious breaches of the code.

“We have delivered legislation for 24/7 registered nurses in residential aged care which is a significant and much needed change to ensure high quality care for older Australians,” the spokesman said.

Anyone with a complaint about aged care services should call 1800 951 822 or email [e-mail].

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Originally published as Aged care crisis deepens with 110 abuse and neglect incidents reported daily