Apr 21, 2017 - Media contacts: Melissa Centofanti, ACSA Divisional CEO - SA/NT: 0413 003 222. Robert Hill, ACSA Media Of
21 April 2017
Statement regarding Oakden Older Persons Mental Health Service Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) welcomes the response from the South Australian Government to act on the review of Oakden Older Persons Mental Health facility and to find more appropriate care services for residents. Earlier this week, the State Government announced that two of the facility’s three wards would be closed following a review by SA Health’s chief psychiatrist Dr Aaron Groves. “ACSA is willing to work closely with SA Health to ensure older people with mental health and extreme behaviours receive the highest quality of care and services possible,” Melissa Centofanti ACSA Divisional CEO – SA/NT said. “The safety and quality of life for residents and clients is the number one priority and any allegations of mistreatment, abuse or neglect should be taken very seriously. “Aged care is a highly regulated industry and subject to rigorous accreditation standards by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency (AACQA). This includes both regular scheduled site visits and unscheduled “spot-checks” to ensure that providers are meeting high standards. “We also look forward to working with the SA Government on the development of the new state-wide model of care for the treatment of older people in South Australia with severe mental illness and severe and extreme behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).” ACSA is the leading national peak body representing church, charitable and community-based providers of aged care services and housing for older Australians.
Media contacts: Melissa Centofanti, ACSA Divisional CEO - SA/NT: Robert Hill, ACSA Media Officer:
0413 003 222 0439 549 973
ACSA is the leading national peak body representing church, charitable and community-based providers of aged care services and housing for older Australians. www.acsa.asn.au
