Aged care at risk with too few beds and staff
By Peter Kerr
15th September 2008
The staff shortage gripping aged care in WA is set to worsen because of a lack of government funding, putting residents at risk of injury, according to industry leaders. And with up to 60 per cent of nursing homes operating at a loss, the shortage of beds in the industry will continue, with waiting lists likely to grow. Investigations by The West Australian have revealed that staff shortages are forcing some nursing homes to operate with one carer for up to 50 residents.
There are no government staffing limits for the industry. Chief executive of Amaroo Village nursing home in Gosnells, David Fenwick, said yesterday he had closed beds and refused to take more patients in the past to ensure staff ratios were maintained for the safety of residents and to ensure staff were not overworked. “Families are not fully aware of the staffing shortages in the industry,” he said.
Mr Fenwick said there were serious implications from even one employee becoming sick.
Abridged
SOURCE: The West Australian
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
No comments:
Post a Comment