New Research: Survey Sheds Light On Quality Of Care In Residential Aged Care

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has recently completed a snapshot survey of caregivers working in residential aged care which indicates that caregivers are frequently undertaking clinical tasks more appropriately performed by Registered Nurses (RN).

The survey of 1000 of NZNO’s 5000 caregiver members focused on the nature and extent of training and work undertaken by caregivers as well as their perceptions of the role and the issues they face. In spite of previous reports highlighting low levels of literacy and training in aged care, the survey results show that many caregivers have undertaken a number of modules and courses related to their work. However, unease remains over the variable quality of training, lack of standard accreditation and, particularly, confusion around routine clinical tasks requiring the expertise of a RN and those relating to personal care.

“Unregulated caregivers are frequently being called upon to undertake Registered Nursing tasks,“ says NZNO Researcher, Dr Léonie Walker. “Medication is ‘very frequently’ given out without clinical supervision, and both blood glucose monitoring and catheterisation are ‘frequently undertaken’”. Many caregivers reported anxiety about doing work they felt they were neither trained or paid to take responsibility for, but often there was no alternative. Without the right mix of staff with appropriate clinical training and professional oversight and accountability, the quality of care is compromised, putting both staff and residents at risk.

“There have been sector-agreed standards for achieving the right mix of staffing and resources, since 2005, when the NZ Standards handbook “Minimum Indicators for Safe Aged-care and Dementia-care for New Zealand Consumers, was published” says Dr Walker, “but they are voluntary.” Two NZNO surveys since have indicated that staffing levels in the majority of aged care facilities fall well below the minimum levels indicated for safety. “NZNO has repeatedly called for the Standards NZ Handbook to be updated and made mandatory, to ensure safe aged care. We are hopeful that now is the right time.”

Despite poor pay (average of $14.40 per hour) and challenges relating to resourcing, understaffing and heavy workloads, many members working within the sector love their work, and see a lack of respect for their work as a priority issue, most rating it above pay.

“It is vital that the government support quality care in the residential aged care sector by requiring caregiving work be prioritised in terms of training, nationally recognised career pathways, pay linked to training and skills development, clear role definition, and rigorous auditing of these requirements which are crucial to quality care in the sector,” NZNO Industrial Adviser, Rob Haultain, said.

Walker, Leonie (2009) ‘Healthcare Assistant (Care Giving) Survey: An examination of the tasks, responsibilities and training needs of Healthcare Assistants in New Zealand’s Aged Care facilities’.

ENDS

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