In some cases, aged care organisations might supply their clients with equipment to use outside of the service environment, for example, within the care recipient’s own home if they are receiving a Home Care Package (ACQSC 2021).
Any equipment provided by the organisation must be fit for purpose; that is, safe, suitable, clean and well-maintained (ACQSC 2021).
For example, if installing a handrail for a client, the organisation would be responsible for firstly choosing a high-quality, sturdy handrail to implement, and then ensuring it’s installed correctly (CDCS 2019).
Any third-party services subcontracted by the organisation must also use equipment that is deemed fit for purpose. It’s the organisation’s responsibility to ensure that subcontracted services are using appropriate equipment (ACQSC 2021).
Furthermore, the organisation is also responsible for assessing any equipment owned by the care recipient themselves that is required in the delivery of supports and services. For example, if a staff member noticed a crack in a client’s shower chair, they would need to raise this concern with the client (ACQSC 2021; CDCS 2019).
Ensuring that equipment is fit for purpose is a requirement under Standard 4 of the Aged Care Quality Standards: Services and Supports for Daily Living.
Care Recipient Needs and Preferences
Each client has their own equipment needs and preferences based on:
Their care
Lifestyle
Mobility
Communication
Housekeeping
Needs, goals and preferences.
(ACQSC 2021)
Types of Equipment
The term equipment under this requirement is broad, comprising:
Routine and specialised care equipment
Equipment used for the care recipient’s lifestyle
Housekeeping and cleaning equipment
Gardening equipment
Transport
Maintenance.
(ACQSC 2021)
Examples include:
Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames
Mechanical devices for getting in and out of bed
Bed rails
Bedding aids such as slide sheets, sheepskins, tri-pillows and pressure-relieving mattresses
Shower chairs and hoists
Ramps for walking and wheelchair access
Continence aids such as bedpans and pads
Splints and braces
Home oxygen services
Home or vehicle modifications.
(My Aged Care 2021; Better Health Channel 2019)
Ensuring Equipment is Fit for Purpose
In order to ensure equipment is safe, suitable, clean and well-maintained, organisations should:
Train staff to safely clean equipment
Ensure staff can identify any potential risks when using equipment
Plan and perform maintenance and cleaning routines for equipment
Have an appropriate process in place for purchasing, servicing, maintaining, renewing and replacing equipment
Culturally Directed Care Solutions 2019, ‘ ‘Help Me Get My Feet Back on the Ground’ – Services & Supports for Daily Living | New Aged Care Standard #4’, Culturally Directed Care Solutions, 22 March, viewed 5 November 2021, https://cdcs.com.au/standard-four-new-aged-care-standards/
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