The Federal Government has announced the release of three new resources aimed at helping aged care workers support older Australians, including updated guidelines on medication management in aged care.

 

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the resources would help deliver a consistent, best practice approach to medication and behaviour management in aged care. 



“The first of these resources is a revised edition of the Government’s guidelines on medication management in residential aged care,” Mr Butler said. 


“We’re also releasing two decision-making tools that offer alternatives to using restraint in community and residential settings.” 



“It is important that we provide staff and managers with the right skills and knowledge to ensure a safe and respectful environment for older Australians receiving care.” 



Mr Butler said the resources reflect the latest research and accepted better practice.



“The Guiding Principles for medication management will support care managers and staff by helping them to develop, put into practice and continuously assess their policies and procedures.” 



“The accompanying guide outlines questions and answers that tackle some key topics in the Guiding Principles, helping residents and carers to play an active part in the safe management of medicines.” 


“The decision-making tools cover organisational, environmental, physical and psychosocial considerations, and set out information and practical strategies that reduce the need to consider restraint as a care option. 

 


“All of these guides will not only help to improve residents’ health, but also their quality of life.” 

 

Copies of the guidelines, decision making tools and promotional materials for service providers will be sent to all Australian Government funded residential aged care facilities over the coming weeks. 


All the materials will also be available on the Department’s website.