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Latrobe’s Aged and Disability Services the first Unit accredited in Australia

By Latrobe Shire Council - 22nd September 2004 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s Aged and Disability Services recently became the first Local Government Aged and Disability Services Unit in Australia to gain Quality Improvement Council Self-Assessment (QICSA) Accreditation for the high standard of services and information processing that it employs.

The Aged and Disability Services Unit volunteered to participate in the accreditation process in order to develop and build upon the services that it currently provides for Latrobe City residents.

Latrobe City’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Buckley, said that the accreditation process was a thorough procedure that examined all aspects of aged and disability care.

"Staff completed core module workbooks based on homecare service delivery, and a three day audit was also completed by external auditors from Quality Improvement Council Self-Assessment. The auditors interviewed a variety of people involved in the department, focussing on issues such as risk management and service delivery," Mr Buckley said.

"The Aged and Disability Services staff were extremely proud to receive the QICSA Accreditation as it involves an intensive accreditation process, usually only obtained by Community Health Centres. The Accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication that is carried out by everyone in the Unit, and it reassures Latrobe citizens that they are receiving the very best in aged and disability care," Mr Buckley added.

In congratulating the Unit, Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Darrell White, explained that Latrobe’s Aged and Disability Services Unit provide a variety of services for the local community, including Meals on Wheels, home care, respite, personal care, planned activity groups and home maintenance.

"The services provided by the Unit aim to improve the quality of life and increase the independence of many of Latrobe’s frail aged and disabled residents. Food is delivered to those who have difficulty leaving the house and cooking; supervised day trips and group activities are arranged for older residents and people with a disability so that they can socialise and enjoy a range of outings and holidays; personal carers assist residents with day-to-day activities that they have difficulties doing themselves, such as having a bath and eating; and home maintenance services are provided to those who are unable to do basic household tasks, such as changing a light bulb and mowing the lawns. Respite is even available for Latrobe’s home carers so that they can have some time to care for themselves too," Cr White said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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