A-Z Guide
Absence Of Next Of Kin
If you are going to be away for any reason please advise the Resident Services Manager of an alternative phone number on which you may be reached, where you may be contacted in an emergency, or whom you would like us to contact.
Accounts
Accounts are issued at the beginning of each month and are payable monthly in advance. Payments are due within 14 days. Incidental costs incurred on the resident’s behalf (excluding pharmacy) will be processed on the monthly account. These costs may be for hairdressing services, some outings, transport costs to appointments, or special personal care items and services requested by the resident and or their representative. Payments can be made via cheque, eft, cash or direct debit. A direct debit form can be completed on admission or at a later date. Please note direct debit authorisation is the preferred method of payment. It is our policy to allow approximately thirty (30) days for final accounts and refunds (if applicable) to be issued. This ensures sufficient time has elapsed to process all incidental charges incurred by the resident prior to leaving the facility. Your understanding of this policy is appreciated.
Additional Services
Residential aged care providers approved under the aged care act 1997 (the act) may offer residents the option to purchase additional services (not care), such as entertainment or lifestyle choices, for an additional fee. This does not affect the level of care – it is similar to a ‘hotel’ style of service where for example you may purchase wine or alcohol with your meal. The services listed are not covered in the specified care and services that you are entitled to receive under the aged care act 1997 (as amended) and therefore you are required to pay for these services. These services include alcoholic beverages, escort services (for specialist appointments/shopping), internet services, resident bus trips/outings, newspaper delivery, and visitor meals. We bring to your attention also that if a staff member is required to escort a resident to an appointment, then the wages for the period of the escort shall be paid for by the resident or person responsible.
Admission and Bed Allocation
Residents who are admitted to a residential aged care facility are required to be assessed and granted approval via the aged care client record (ACCR) form issued by the aged care assessment team (ACAT). Bed allocation is at the discretion of the Resident Services Manager. We hope that you will not be moved from your room. If you are not happy with the room you occupy please do not hesitate to discuss this with the Resident Services Manager. We will try to please you and help you feel comfortable and happy. It may be necessary to relocate a bed due to nursing care priorities. Residents and relatives will be consulted prior to bed re-allocation. Note, single rooms may need to be utilized for specialized care requirements.
Admission Requirements
Please bring the following items to be given to the Resident Services Manager or delegate upon arrival at the facility:
All medications
Pension health benefit card
Medicare card
Safety-net card (if available)
Pharmaceutical card
Clothes (clearly marked using permanent laundry marker)
Electoral card if available
Electrical appliances or personal television sets (optional).
Appliances must have been tagged in the preceding 12 Months
Treasured effects (optional)
Favourite furniture (consult management)
A print-out of all medications previously ordered from the chemist
Alcohol
With your doctor’s permission, you may enjoy a pre-dinner drink/night cap at an additional cost. Please contact management to confirm the current additional fees for alcoholic beverages. Note, the diversional therapy team organise complimentary happy hour events as part of their monthly activity schedule.
Allied Health Services
Residents are responsible to pay the following charges:
Dental services
Glasses
Hairdressing
Hearing aids
Specialist consultations
Any external allied service contracted by the resident or resident’s representative.
e.g. physiotherapist, podiatrist, speech therapist, dental services etc.
Ambulance Bay
Parking in the driveway is strictly prohibited.
Care Principles
The principles of care for this home are based on the concept that each person is unique and has an immeasurable worth.
We believe that:
Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
Each resident is entitled to quality care in relation to medical, nursing, allied health, and hospitality services.
Each person has the right to quality of life.
Each person should be as free from pain as possible.
Health care should be delivered in a professional, compassionate and caring environment that encourages independence.
The privacy of everyone will be respected.
Our affairs will be conducted with integrity and honesty, rendering service on a highly ethical level.
A safe environment is paramount.
Charter Of Aged Care Rights
A new charter of aged care rights (the charter) has been introduced into the aged care sector as of 1 July 2019. This single charter of rights across aged care is part of the single aged care quality framework. It replaces the four previous charters that relate to care recipient’s rights and responsibilities. The charter can be found at the end of this handbook.
Clergy
All religious denomination clergy may visit the nursing facility to conduct various services. Arrangements need to be made with the Leisure Lifestyle Team in advance.
Clothing
Most residents are fully dressed each day. It is the responsibility of the relatives to ensure that the resident has sufficient appropriate clothing. Please provide the following listed items, and mark clearly using non-washable ink the resident’s name on the clothes tag. No responsibility can be taken for items which are not properly marked or on which marking has not been maintained in a legible condition.
Adequate change of underwear
Easy to launder outer garments
At least 3 warm cardigans
At least 5 nightdresses or pyjamas (more if resident is incontinent)
Dressing gown
Stockings or socks
Suitable shoes and slippers
Industrial machines are used for washing and drying clothing. Clothing must be suitable for laundering at the facility. Dry-cleaning can be arranged if required, however this will be at the resident’s expense.
A wardrobe is provided for each resident. It is necessary for winter clothes to be taken home by relatives during summer and vice versa in winter. Repairs and replacement of clothing is the responsibility of relatives. We will take every possible care with personal items of clothing, but the facility does not accept responsibility.
Concerns, Complaints and Further Information
If you require any information about your relative, or if you are in any way unhappy with any aspect of their care, please do not hesitate to discuss the matter with the Resident Services Manager or Managing Director at any time. In the first instance, approach the Resident Services Manager as most concerns can be resolved internally. Investigation of concerns will be implemented, and results discussed with a representative of the resident’s choice. Concerns and queries can also be raised at the residents/carers meetings without any retribution. Complaint forms are also readily available - please ask a staff member.
If you are unsatisfied with the resolution, the matter may be referred to:
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Web Site: http://www.agedcarequality.gov.au
Phone: 1800 951 822
Continuous Improvement
When it comes to making things better, we believe there is always a chance for improvement. To achieve this ongoing improvement cycle, we have practices and procedures in place. Residents and relatives are encouraged to use our suggestion box located at the entrance to the facility. You are encouraged to make suggestions in areas which you believe we may need to improve in. Feedback on your suggestion or complaint will be given at the resident’s meeting. Suggestions for improvement can also be made in our regular satisfaction surveys. Feel free to approach any of the staff if you wish to make any suggestions or complaints as we endeavour to work together to provide a comfortable, happy and safe home for the residents who choose to be accommodated with us.
Cooling and Heating System
Individual climate control air conditioning is installed in all areas of the facility for your comfort.
Cultural Activities
Fairmont aged care is committed to making every culture feel welcomed. Fairmont aged care values resident’s diverse cultural needs through embracement and awareness. Fairmont aged care aims to ensure a culturally safe environment is offered and sustained. Fairmont aged care celebrates significant dates and events of cultures within the facility through leisure and recreation programs. Fairmont aged care works collaboratively with services such as volunteers from community organisations to maximise social opportunities for consumers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Fairmont aged care is flexible, supportive, and creative in modifying activities to meet consumer’s special cultural requirements.
Dementia
Secure gates and alarm doors are installed at the facility. If you need more information with the understanding of dementia or coming to terms with dementia, please contact the Resident Services Manager for assistance.
Dieticians/Nutritionist
Services can be arranged as required at the resident's expense.
Diversity Support
Fairmont respects resident’s diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Resident’s individual diversities are supported and encouraged at Fairmont.
Doctors, Specialists, Optometrists / Dental Care
Arrangements with various practises have been arranged. The registered nurse on duty will arrange appointments. It is the responsibility of relatives to escort residents to their appointments. A staff representative will be made available to assist residents to and from appointments, if the resident has no relatives. Fees (including staff escort) and transportation charges for these appointments are at the resident’s expense.
Electoral Matters
If the resident is unable to exercise their legal rights it is the relatives responsibility to notify the electoral office. Suitable arrangements for voting will be made by the facility at the resident’s request.
Electrical Items
Prior to bringing any electrical items into the facility, please speak with the registered nurse on duty. All electrical items that you bring into the home are to be tagged by an authorised electrician at the expense of the resident. These will need to be retagged in accordance with the electrical testing policy at the resident’s expense. This tagging process is required by work health and safety legislation and applies to all electrical equipment. Fairmont will not accept responsibility for the maintenance, testing, tagging or repairs of any electrical items brought into the facility by residents or their visitors. Power boards with circuit breakers (fuses, surge protection) are acceptable for use if tagged according to the above mentioned policy. Power boards without these safety devices are not acceptable. Double adapters are not permitted for use under any circumstances.
When an extension cord is required on a temporary basis, no more than one extension cord can be used. The extension cord must be positioned in a way that it cannot become damaged, wet, or become a trip hazard.
English Language Difficulties
In order to maintain good communication every effort will be made to provide you with an interpreter if we don’t have a staff member who can assist you with language difficulties. The registered nurse/Leisure Lifestyle Team on duty will organize this service for you.
Falls
We recognise that there is the potential for residents to have falls relating to many factors including deterioration in the resident’s level of mobility or cognitive function. Our physiotherapist will undertake an assessment of all new admissions. Unfortunately, even with regular physical therapy and attention, some residents may be at a higher risk of falls than others and these residents may continue to have falls. Some falls may result in injuries to the resident, such as fractures, lacerations, or more serious complications. Residents who are at risk can be assessed for hip protectors which can be purchased by the resident/person responsible and provide protection against fractures of the hip.
Family Case Conferences
To assist you with settling into the facility or to discuss any aspect of care, family conferences are scheduled regularly. Contact the Resident Services Manager for further information.
Fees
It is important for you to understand that we do not set the level of fees and charges. The daily care fee is prescribed and set by the department. You should have received a number of documents when applying for residency with us. If you would like further information regarding fees and charges, please speak to our staff.
Respite care fees are set as the flat daily care fee.
Residents in permanent care are required to pay:
a basic daily care fee
a co-contribution fee
where determined by Centrelink or DVA, a refundable accommodation deposit (rad), or a daily accommodation payment (dap) or a combination payment of both a rad and a dap.
The basic daily care fee is set by the government and equates to 85% of the single pension for pensioners and 96.5% of the single pension for non-pensioners. These amounts vary from time to time as the level of the pension increases.
The co-contribution is an amount which is assessed by Centrelink or the department of veteran’s affairs (if the person is a veteran). It is the amount which the government agency determines as the amount which the resident can pay towards the cost of their care. These amounts are subject to yearly and lifetime caps which are set at the time of the resident’s entry to residential care and which are indexed in accordance with the CPI. Further information is available on www.centrelink.gov.au. The accommodation payment (RADs & DAPs) is set by the board of Fairmont NSW Pty Ltd and can vary from time to time. They are only applicable to those residents that Centrelink or DVA determines as having the asset base to afford such a payment.
For further details on fee setting the Centrelink telephone number is 13 10 21.
Fire and Other Emergency Procedures
In the case of fire or another emergency, please follow the directions of the fire warden/RN in charge and any fire brigade/police officers. Emergency exit maps are displayed prominently in various locations within the facility. Please make yourself aware of these exits and maps. In case of emergencies do not use the lift.
Funeral Arrangements
In the event of a death, it is helpful if you have advised us of your preferred funeral director. For doctor to issue a death certificate he/she will need to know if burial or cremation is required.
Furniture
As we endeavour to make our facility as home like as possible, residents are encouraged to bring in some of their own possessions to personalise their room. Owing to the limited space available however, you may not be able to bring everything you would like. You will need to discuss this with either the Resident Services Manager before making any arrangements to have personal items brought to the facility. Please note electrical equipment such as fridges, microwaves and jugs are not permitted. Televisions are made available in all rooms by the facility. All residents are encouraged to bring some personal items such as photographs, paintings etc to personalise their room. Moving furniture in or out of the facility is the responsibility of the resident and his/her next of kin. Management will not accept any responsibility for damage to furniture or injuries sustained during this procedure.
On termination of an agreement, all belongings and furniture must be removed on the vacating day. Management accepts no responsibility for items remaining once the room has been vacated. No storage facilities are available.
Hairdressing
A professional hairdresser visits the facility on a fortnightly to monthly basis, depending on needs. Hairdressing services are payable by the resident and are added onto monthly account statements. Residents may make appointments through the Leisure Lifestyle Team. Note, residents may make appointments with outside hairdressers if they wish. Transport will be the resident's responsibility.
Incontinent Aids
The facility supplies disposable incontinent aids for residents in permanent care as needed.
Independence
Fairmont encourages the independence of residents as much as possible, especially in decision and choice making.
Internet
Internet services (WIFI) is available inside the premises. Additional fees are payable for this service. See section on additional services or contact management.
Laundry Services
Fairmont will undertake to launder personal clothing for residents. There is no extra charge for this service. We strongly recommend relatives make every effort to arrange dry cleaning of all garments which may likely be affected by washing in a commercial washing machine. We regret we are unable to accept responsibility for any deterioration or damage to any personal garments laundered by Fairmont.
Leave Of Absence
There is a provision for permanent residents by the commonwealth department for overnight and extended social leave of 28 days per year and unlimited hospital leave. In these circumstances the relative or representative must sign a leave of absence form.
Legal and Other Professionals
Relatives/representatives must make their own appointments for these services. Residents who are unable to make their own appointments should request this to be arranged by the Resident Services Manager. Additional fees are payable for this service.
Library
Bayside Council Library can provide a library service in consultation with the Leisure Lifestyle Team. Large print books are available. ‘Talking’ books can also be arranged if required. Please see the Leisure Lifestyle Team for further information.
Lift
A lift is provided to service both floors of the facility.
Maintenance
We have a maintenance manager for the maintenance of the facility and its grounds. If any repairs are required, please notify our staff. We cannot accept responsibility for the maintenance or repair of any electrical equipment or furniture brought into the facility.
Please address all mail to the resident, care of (c/o) the facility and it will be delivered to them on arrival. Incoming mail is normally delivered daily after lunch. Staff are happy and willing to assist residents with reading and writing of letters and other items of communication. Privacy will be maintained at all times. The Leisure Lifestyle Team (upon request) can post letters for residents.
Meals
The resident’s medical practitioner or registered nurse decides on a suitable diet for the resident. List of likes and dislikes are noted on admission and displayed in the kitchen. Considerations are made for cultural requirements and dietary needs. All food is cooked on the premises to a variety 4-week menu. Fresh fruit and juices are provided daily.
Meals (Food brought in from outside)
We deem the following high risk foods: meats, poultry, eggs and egg products, soft cheese, pate, dips, small goods, seafood, pre-cut fresh fruit and vegetables, all dairy.
The residents are considered vulnerable persons (elderly and frail persons) under the food safety act and as such the following must be adhered to for their safety:
The food must be clearly labelled with the resident’s name, the date on which the food was prepared and the type of food.
All potentially hazardous food brought into the facility by resident’s relatives and reheated by staff must be reheated to 75° c or above, recorded on the log, and served immediately. Food must be stored under temperature control prior to reheating and served within 24 hours otherwise discarded.
All potentially hazardous food brought in and intended to be served cold is stored under temperature control conditions and served within 24 hours otherwise its discarded.
Foods should be consumed by the identified resident, at the time the food is brought in and preferably not stored.
Food brought in is not shared with other residents. Note that this policy does not apply to items such as chocolate bars, chips, sweets, and such commercially available packaged products that are not classed as high risk.
Other manufactured foods must be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions e.g. bottled sauces, pickles, mayonnaise etc.
Food to be reheated is in microwave safe containers.
Relatives and friends reheating food for residents should follow the procedure as set out in the brochure so that food is heated to ‘steaming hot’.
Any leftover food is disposed of immediately and not stored.
No food is to be re-stored under any circumstances after being reheated.
All food brought into the facility for residents by family or visitors is to be entered in the registry at reception as this would assist in tracing the food in the event of a food poisoning incident. If reception is unattended, please speak to the RN in charge.
Meal Times
Meals are served in the dining room or in individual rooms at:
- Breakfast (weekdays): 7:30am - 8:00am
- Lunch: 12:30pm
- Dinner: 5:30pm
Morning and afternoon teas are served with fresh cakes/fruit daily. Plain and cream biscuits are also available. Supper is served as required. Meals for relatives and visitors can be arranged for a nominal charge. Please consult the Resident Services Manager for further details.
Mechanical Lifter
The facility has a no lifting policy, therefore if a resident is unable to stand and hold their weight to transfer, change position or walk, staff are required to use the appropriate lifting aids such as a mechanical lifter. Note, mechanical lifters in compliance with work health and safety guidelines transfer residents who are unable to bare weight. Staff are not permitted to lift residents in and out of private vehicles as this puts both residents and staff at risk. Relatives may use the pelican belts only, to assist with transfers in and out of private vehicles. Alternative transport is to be arranged where the resident is unable to manoeuvre in and out of the car. Please feel free to discuss this with the registered nurse.
Medical Practitioner
Residents are entitled to nominate a medical practitioner of their own choice. This information should be provided to the Resident Services Manager at the time of admission and any changes in the medical practitioner should be notified as early as possible. Should a resident not wish to nominate a medical practitioner, the registered nurse will make the necessary arrangements to provide this service for the resident.
Medical practitioners visit the facility on a regular basis or when they are called by the registered nurse on duty.
Medications
Medications and drugs brought in on admission must be handed to the registered nurse on duty. Ongoing medications are arranged by the facility for the resident. All medications are dispensed by the registered nurses who are on duty 24- hours a day. A monthly pharmacy account is supplied by direct billing to the resident through our preferred pharmacy.
Newsletter
Published monthly. Contributions of articles etc are welcome.
Newspapers
Delivery of newspapers and magazines can be arranged at the resident’s expense. Please consult the Leisure Lifestyle Team for arrangements.
Notice To Leave
Residents are required to give fourteen (14) days notice in writing of their intention to leave. It is necessary to give this notice to allow us time to offer the place to another person. Empty rooms can result in substantial financial loss to the facility and directly affects staffing levels. Failure to give appropriate notice may necessitate payment of the full fee (inclusive of an amount equal to the government subsidy) for the period of notice required.
Nurse Call System
Nurse call points are located at each bed, bathrooms, and all community areas for resident’s safety and convenience. Calls for assistance are relayed directly to staff-pagers.
Overnight Leave
Overnight leave can be arranged when appropriate. You might like to consider Christmas, New Year, Easter, and other special occasions and holiday seasons.
Palliative Care (Advanced health care directive)
A Resident’s / representative’s wishes in relation to death and dying will be discussed with you and formally documented and respected. Residents and representatives will be asked to complete an advance health care directive (see below) on entry to the facility or provide a copy of your pre-existing care directives or ‘living will’. The program will seek to maintain your comfort and dignity and accommodate religious, spiritual, cultural requirements, and extensive family involvement. The Resident Services Manager should be consulted in relation to this matter.
Advanced Health Care Directive
An advanced health care directive is any written statement that expresses a person’s wishes in advance and contains instructions about health care situations in which the person is not able to make a decision. We will respect formal advanced health care directives to the extent that supporting it does not breach the duty of care, religious ethics, or any current laws or regulations.
Pension and Medical Cards
Management will hold these cards in a secure place. It is available on request at any time for specific reasons. Please remember to provide current cards.
Pets
The facility engages in registered pets for therapy and companion dogs as part of the activities program.
Physiotherapy
The home engages qualified physiotherapists to provide services to assist in pain management, mobility and flexibility. Additional private physiotherapy can be provided for the resident at their expense, depending on the Medical Officer’s assessment. The Registered Nurse or the Leisure Lifestyle Team can arrange additional physiotherapy when required.
Podiatry
Can be arranged by the Registered Nurse on duty. Residents are routinely seen every 6 weeks and these services are usually bulk-billed, so there is no charge to the resident. Private podiatry can be arranged at the resident’s expense. Under Medicare requirements, podiatry services are at least 20 minutes in duration.
Privacy
Fairmont Aged Care takes its obligations under the privacy act seriously and will take all reasonable steps to comply with the act and protect the privacy of personal information that we hold. The facility will ensure information provided by you is kept confidential. Your care plan, progress notes, and medical records are accessed by the health care professionals involved in your care only. We are required to take photos of you for purposes of identification and for correct medication administration.
Kindly note all resident records are the property of the Fairmont Aged Care.
Each individual has the right to access to the personal information that we hold about him or her. Access will be provided in accordance with the Australian privacy principles, within a reasonable timeframe. If you require access to your personal information, please write to the Managing Director or Resident Services Manager.
Personal information may be disclosed if we:
Are required or authorised by Australian law or a court/tribunal order.
Reasonably believe that the disclosure is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious or imminent threat to an individual’s life.
Health or safety, or a serious threat to public health or safety.
Have reason to believe that an unlawful activity has been, is being, or may be engaged in.
Personal information may be disclosed to other persons as part of the provision of health services, including:
Other health care professionals that are or may be involved in the care of residents or employees which may include General Practitioners, hospitals, and other allied health providers.
Other external agencies that we have contracts with to provide services to residents and employees on our behalf. In circumstances where this is necessary, these external agencies are required to provide confirmation of their compliance with the privacy act 1988 (CTH).
Funding bodies and other government agencies as required by commonwealth and state legislation.
The person designated by the resident as the ‘person responsible’ for giving and accessing their information.
Personal information relating to residents and employees will not be used for other purposes such as fundraising or direct marketing activities without seeking written consent of the person or the ‘person responsible’ for the resident.
We will take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. We will hold all personal information in a secure and confidential manner and take all reasonable steps to ensure personal information is secure (e.g. all computers have password access, and personal information is kept in secure areas). All of our electronic systems that hold personal information have up to date security protection systems. These are reviewed on a regular basis and tested to ensure they are efficient and able to meet any potential ‘interference’ that might occur.
Fairmont Aged Care trains all staff with access to personal information about their obligations concerning confidentiality of personal information, and the privacy of individuals. We will ensure secure disposal of electronic and paper-based records. In the event of loss of personal information, we will:
Seek to identify and secure the breach to prevent further breaches.
Assess the nature and severity of the breach.
Commence an internal investigation in relation to the breach.
Report the breach to police where criminal activity is suspected.
Notify the privacy commissioner if the breach is significant.
Inform the affected individual(s) where appropriate and where possible.
Relative/Group Outings
Families are encouraged to take their loved one out for outings as long as they are well enough, and the Resident Services Manager or delegate has been consulted. The diversional therapist, upon agreement with relatives, organizes group outings and day trips. Sufficient notice is always provided. Please speak to the diversional therapist for further information and if you would like to attend.
Resident Decision and Risk Taking
Each resident within the facility has the right to make decisions about what they wish to do and not do. If the associated risks are explained adequately and the resident or the ‘person responsible/guardian’ (where the person lacks capacity) makes a decision to take such risk, that decision will be respected. The relative/representative will be consulted, and the decision will be documented in a ‘dignity of risk’ form and any other required documentation. The resident must accept consequences of the actions. Exception to this rule will apply where staff and other residents may be at risk.
Resident Agreement
Fairmont Aged Care is required under the aged care act 1997 to offer a residential agreement to all residents on admission to the facility. The agreement details the conditions of residency in accordance with the aged care act 1997 and user rights principles 1997. On admission all residents are required to sign a residential agreement. It is recommended residents / carers read this document carefully and sign it as this protects the rights of both the resident and the facility (see management for further details).
Resident’s Committee
The Resident’s Committee meets every 3 months as part of the WHS meeting, please see notices for dates and times. Concerns and suggestions for continuous quality improvements are discussed. Complaints/hazard forms are located in the main foyer and dining room. Please feel free to use them.
Resident Lifestyle
We have a Leisure Lifestyle Team who plan and coordinate the activities program. They are not nursing staff and are not able to give information on nursing care needs. On admission they will ask for social information to help them in developing a lifestyle care plan for each resident, ensuring choice. A range of interesting activities are always available for residents. Our program incorporates both activities conducted within the home and external activities. The activity program is developed based on the preferences and needs of individual residents. Residents can have input in the development of the ‘activity program’ through the resident/relative meetings, the resident satisfaction survey, and on an individual basis through social profiles. If at any time you would like to make a suggestion, please discuss this with our Leisure Lifestyle Team.
Resident/Relative Meetings
Resident/Relative meetings are organized by the diversional therapist and held on a monthly basis or as needs arise. Topics and issues discussed vary, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Resident’s Rights and Obligations
Policies and procedures have been developed outlining the rights and obligations of our residents. The policies reference the guide on Living in a Nursing Home and the Charter of Aged Care Rights. Please note, the resident has the right to refuse medical treatment.
Restraint
We have a commitment to work towards a restraint free environment. Residents will only be restrained for safety reasons and only after consultation with the medical officer and relative/representative. The decision to restrain a resident must be made in consultation with the resident’s ‘person responsible’, medical and nursing representatives, and require written consent from the personal responsible as well as the medical officer.
Satisfaction Surveys and Suggestion Box
Resident/relative satisfaction surveys are conducted bi-annually and ask resident’s relatives to rate various aspects of the service. These surveys are conducted with the interest of resident/relatives in mind, can be anonymous, so we ask everyone to participate.
A suggestion box is located in the entrance foyer. Please feel free to use this feature should a need arise.
Security Of Tenure
Your nursing accommodation is secure unless:
Residents fees are in arrears.
Need of admission to another institution due to resident’s condition or behaviour.
Assessment by ACAT team so indicates responsibilities of resident/representative/relative:
Payment of fees.
Compliance with the policies, procedures and routines of the facility.
Respect for staff and other residents.
Courtesy and consideration of others.
Smoking
Due to health regulations, smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building. Fairmont is also a smoke-free facility and smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds of the facility.
Telephone Calls
For incoming calls residents have the use of a portable phone whenever required. You are welcome to call the Registered Nurse on duty. The telephone number is (02) 9567 2279.
Television Sets
LCD flat-screen televisions are available in all rooms. TV’s and DVD players are also provided in the lounge areas.
Toiletries
These items are supplied by the facility and include items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, shaving cream, and emollient cream. Towels, face washers, and toilet paper are also supplied plus other extra items as per the residential care manual issued by the department.
Transistor Radios
These items are permitted. Earphones or headphones must be provided. Contact the Diversional Therapist for further information.
Valuables
The nursing facility cannot take responsibility for money, jewellery or valuables left with residents.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are flexible. Friends and relatives are welcome at any reasonable time. However, visitors are requested not to visit between 8.00pm and 8.00am as many residents prefer to have an early night. Where residents require assistance with meals, we appreciate visits from relatives at mealtimes so assistance may be provided by relatives. All visitors to the facility must complete the visitor’s book on arrival and departure so that in the event of an emergency all people in the facility can be accounted for. Children must be fully supervised at all times to ensure that their behaviour is not disturbing to other resident.
In the interest of safety to our residents, visitors are asked not to provide care to other residents, for example feeding, toileting etc. If you have any concerns about other residents, please see the RN in charge.
Volunteers
If any relatives/friends would like to join our volunteer program please contact the Diversional Therapy Team Leader on (02) 9567 2279 or the Resident Services Manager. A full orientation program is provided for volunteers.
Will/Legal Document
This can be arranged by the facility on resident and/or relative’s request. A justice of peace is available on staff to witness and sign documentation should this be required. All other staff are not permitted to witness or sign any documents. The Public Trustee Office can also be contacted to assist you.
Work Health and Safety
Fairmont Aged Care is committed to maintaining a safe working and living environment for both staff and residents. There is an active WHS committee in existence and it is recommended that residents acquaint themselves with members of the committee. Residents are asked to report any hazardous practices or situations they become aware of either to the RN in charge or the Resident Services Manager as soon as becoming aware of the situation. Workplace inspections of resident’s rooms and common areas are conducted as part of our audit schedule to identify any WHS issues. You will be asked to have items removed that present an endangerment to your personal safety or are a WHS hazard for staff members.
Please observe all requirements in regard to fire safety, smoking, and maintenance requests.