• Introduction
• How to Refer a Resident
• Services
• Admissions
• Charter of Residents' Rights and Responsibilities in Approved Nursing Homes
• Information Services

The North Eastern Nursing Home provides care & accommodation facilities for 68 High Care residents. It was built originally with the assistance of various aged care organisations who retain the right of nominating their elderly residents for accommodation.

It is our aim to provide an environment in which residents receive contemporary quality care in both the medical and nursing fields within the resources available.

We affirm the right of every person to be treated with dignity and self respect. All residents are encouraged to maintain decision making in regard to their daily living within a community environment.

Location

North Eastern Community Nursing Home is located on the eastern side of Lower North East Road less than a kilometre from the intersection of Payneham, St Bernard’s, Montacute and Lower North East Road. It is on the corner of Lower North East Road and Lennox Street and is on the main bus route to the Paradise Interchange (Buses 174, 176 and 177). These buses can be caught in the city in North Terrace, Wakefield Street and King William Street. For further information www.adelaidemetro.com.au

Our Vision

North Eastern Community Nursing Home will be regarded as one of the most sought after residential providers of high care in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs because of the quality care given to our residents.

Eligibility

Generally, people aged sixty years and over are eligible for admission to North Eastern Community Nursing Home. Each person’s individual needs and circumstances are considered and vacancies are filled on the basis of need and suitability of available services and accommodation. The application for approval for admission must be made by the ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team)

What is A.C.A.T.?

High care services are subsidised by the Australian Government. An assessment indicating a need for this level of care is required from the Government’s Aged Care Assessment team (ACAT) in your local area before applying.

Adelaide Aged Care Assessment Team Northern Office
207-255 Hampstead Road
NORTHFIELD SA 5085
Ph: (08) 8193 1203
Fax: (08) 8193 1201

Adelaide Aged Care Assessment Team Southern Office
19-21a Belmore Terrace
WOODVILLE SA 5011
Ph: (08) 8193 1203
Fax: (08) 8193 1201

Adelaide Hills and Southern Fleurieu Aged Care Assessment Team
Wellington Road
PO Box 42
MT BARKER SA 5251
Ph: (08) 8393 1831
Fax: (08) 8393 1800

For all enquiries ring the Nursing Home Resident Admission enquiries 08 8366 8261.

Fees and Accounts

Fees are set by the Commonwealth Government. Under the Aged Care Act 1997, the pensioner rate of the standard resident contribution is 85% of the base single age pension amount. The pensioner & non-pensioner rates of the standard resident contribution are indexed in March & September each year.

Accounts are issued fortnightly on pension week. If you are a full pensioner you will pay 85% of the pension in daily fees which will be approximately $27.86 a day. (as on 1 July 05).

Some residents with sufficient income may be charged an additional income tested fee. Eligible residents, whose assets exceed the maximum asset level, may be asked to pay an extra daily accommodation charge.

The Government permits 60 days per year whereby residents may be away from the Nursing Home on social stays with unlimited stay for acute hospitalisation. Residents continue to pay the daily fees during any absence.

Current Ambulance, Medicare and Pension Card Current. Ambulance membership is advised to avoid emergency transport fees. It is the responsibility of the relatives to renew this each year.

Visiting Specialists – on Request

The following services are available on request however the resident will be charged for these services. – dentist, optometrist, audiologist (hearing aids) and hairdresser.

Therapy Services

New residents are seen by the Physiotherapist. Maintenance Therapy and Temporary Intensive Short Term Therapy is provided to enable residents to attain a level of independence in their activities of daily living. Excluded are intensive, long-term rehabilitation services required following, for example, serious illness or injury, surgery or trauma.

Photograph

All residents are photographed on admission to facilitate identification purposes. Permission is obtained from residents and or their family for a photograph to be taken.

Spiritual Needs

Personal Ministers of Religion are warmly welcomed. North Eastern Community holds the belief that every resident has the right to practise their religion and to discover and grow in their faith.

Special Occasions

The celebration of special occasions is encouraged. Whenever possible it is encouraged that residents continue to participate in special celebrations outside of the nursing home with their family, friends and loved ones.

For residents unable to leave the nursing home due to significant physical immobility arrangements to use the Home’s facilities may be made only through direct contact with Nursing Administration to the Director Aged Care.

Special consideration will be given in such circumstances as long as it does not impact on other residents living in the home and or programmed activities already in place. It is very important to note that facilities such as ours provide community living for a large group of people and that needs of individuals will be considered but not prioritised over the needs of others. The issues of safety and public liability for our residents, relatives and visitors will always be considered when authorising in house personal celebrations.

Telephones

The Nursing Home telephone number is (08) 8366 8261 (Campbell Ward) and 8366 8277 (Payneham Ward). Private telephones may be installed at resident/relative expense and by family arrangement with Telstra.

Television and Radios

Residents may bring their own small T.V. (No wider than 32cm), however residents must use earplugs or earphones so as not to disturb other residents if in a share room situation or if they have a significant hearing deficit. All electrical equipment must pass a maintenance department safety check prior to being used and installed.

Complaints

As our aim is to provide quality care to our residents, we welcome any suggestions or constructive criticism from you as a resident/relative which could assist us to improve our service. If there is any cause for complaint or suggestions, please do not hesitate to discuss this with the Director Aged Care or Registered General Nurse on duty. Residents/relatives meetings are held in order to acquire such feedback from you.

NECH Nursing Home conducts regular surveys which provide residents and their representatives with the opportunity to comment on the standard of care and services provided. A copy of the collated report will be available on request and the findings and any action/s required discussed at residents’ meeting.

Volunteers

North Eastern Community Nursing Home has a wonderful team of volunteers and friends who assist the Diversional Therapist to provide activities for the residents such as outings, exercises, massage, in-house functions, assisting with feeding, etc. If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer please contact our Diversional Therapist for details.

We are committed to implementing the undermentioned eight objectives regarding Aged Care Service Provision:

1. Optimum Health Care
Our expert and caring staff help our residents to maintain their health at the highest possible level. Each resident is looked after by his/her own General Practitioner where possible or a suitable alternative is found. The Royal Adelaide Hospital and Modbury Hospital is convenient for emergency treatment and outpatient services. Twenty-four hour registered nurse cover is provided, aided by enrolled nurses and care workers to provide nursing and personal care as required.

2. Social independence
Residents are encouraged to maintain their friendships and social contacts outside the nursing home, and to go out as often as able. Visiting hours are between 11.00 am and 8.00 pm. In order to maintain an uncluttered and safe environment which encourages residents to maintain their independence, additional chairs for visitors are not located in resident’s rooms but are available in the lounge/dining areas. Residents may use these areas to entertain their visitors if they wish.

3. Freedom of choice
Residents are given as much freedom to choose as is possible, eg, with regard to showers, daily routines, and so on. Any policy which impacts directly on the resident will be discussed at residents’ meeting prior to being introduced.

4. Homelike environment
Residents are encouraged to bring some personal items of their own; a bedspread, photographs, mementos, etc.

5. Privacy and dignity
The dignity and privacy of nursing home residents will be respected. The resident can expect all communications and other records pertaining to their care to be treated as confidential.

6. Confidentiality
Information regarding the care requirements of residents is recorded on individual care plans in consultation with the resident and family members. All other information either of a personal nature or pertinent to the resident’s medical condition and care is stored in an area accessed only by authorised personnel.

7. Safety
The Nursing Home design, equipment and practices contribute to promoting and providing a safe living & work environment, however residents reserve the right to participate in risky activities following consultation with all relevant parties.

8. Variety of activities
Residents are encouraged to participate in as wide a variety of activities as possible. We have an active group of Volunteers & Friends who help on outings and In-house functions. Family members are strongly encouraged to participate if possible.

Our Diversional Therapist organises a range of activities including singing, craft, hobbies, outings, bingo, pet therapy, and concerts for the residents, entertainment and a library service is provided.

Residents are encouraged to maintain their responsibilities and obligations as citizens. At election time the Electoral Office provides a mobile service for those residents who wish to vote. A daily paper is available and magazines are available on sale.

Rooms

We have single and two bed share rooms, the majority with shared ensuite facilities. The type of accommodation is dependent on bed availability. From time to time it may be necessary to move a resident to a different room. Every effort will be made to satisfy the wishes and needs of residents in this regard, including consultation with family as necessary.

Under certain circumstances, eg, certain medical conditions or extremely aggressive or antisocial behaviour which infringes on the rights or safety of residents or staff, a resident may be required to find other accommodation. Assistance will be provided to find a suitable alternative within a reasonable time frame.

Meals

Breakfast of your choice is served from 8.00 a.m. in your room. Lunch at 12.30pm and dinner at 5.30 p.m. is served in the day room or in your room. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and supper are also provided.
Menus are extensive, well balanced and cooked freshly on the premises. The resident’s individual preferences are considered and relatives wishing to assist in feeding their loved ones are welcome.

Residents who require full assistance with their meals, have their meals served 1⁄2 hour before others (7.30a.m, 12 Mid-day, 5pm). This allows staff to provide assistance to those residents in a manner which enhances the social interaction and the safety aspect of food consumption.

Clothing and Laundry

Residents are encouraged to be dressed in day clothes during their stay with us. Easy application, loose fitting and comfortable clothing is emphasised at all times. Exceptions will arise and consideration will always be given to those individual residents with specific physical requirements. Please note that in particular circumstances, due to individual physical disability, immobility, deformity, resistance and aggression to personal care interventions, senior nursing staff may request relatives to provide open back nighties, singlets etc to facilitate safe and pain free application of clothing. This will be brought up with the individual family members and it is an expectation that families assist the staff and support their relative by complying with these requests when they are made. As we are fully air-conditioned, light frocks and cardigans are adequate for the ladies, shirts and cardigans for the gentlemen. Tracksuits are ideal as they launder well and are comfortable to wear. All clothing must be labelled, with sewn on nametags and all care will be taken to ensure that nothing is lost, however, no responsibility can be accepted.

A personal laundry service is provided to all residents at no extra cost, this service is
performed on the premises. Dry cleaning, suits, quilts - bedspreads and items requiring
special attention, remain the responsibility of the resident or relative.

Toiletries

Toiletries of a general nature, e.g. soap, shampoo, tissues and shaving equipment are supplied. For safety reasons we request no talcum powder be used due to the danger of it causing slippery floors. All gentlemen are required to supply their own electric razor, we will be happy to have our Maintenance Department check that it meets electrical standards and then engrave it with your name. Also supplied are wound care products, food supplements and continence aids such as disposable pads, catheters and various appliances etc.

Pets and Garden

We have an aviary for the enjoyment of our residents. Relatives and staff are encouraged to bring to the Nursing Home for visits, well controlled family pets during the daylight hours. Animals are restricted from central stairwells, reception area and main hospital due to Health Regulations.

A pleasant out-door entertainment area with gardens, water features and a barbecue setting has been provided for us by community service clubs.

Pharmacy

Residents are requested to bring their Pharmacy Record Card and their Medicare number rank and expiry date with them on admission. The Pharmacist will hold the card and maintain a current record. A monthly account for Pharmacy Costs will be presented for payment at the end of each month along with the accommodation account.

Preamble

Every person has the right to freedom and respect and the right to be treated fairly by others. A person’s rights do not diminish when he or she moves into a nursing home, regardless of his or her physical or mental frailty or ability to exercise or fully appreciate his or her rights.

A positive, supportive and caring attitude by family, friends, nursing home proprietors and staff, carers and the community will help people who live in nursing homes to continue as integral, respected and valued members of society.

Australian society has a strong commitment to social justice principles. Those principles recognise the aspirations of all Australians to a dignified and secure way of life with equal access to health care, housing and education, and equal rights in civil, legal and consumer matters. They form the basis of a society which is free of prejudice and is caring, just and humane.

This Charter affirms those social justice principles.

The personal, civil, legal and consumer rights of each resident are not diminished in any way when he or she moves into a nursing home.

The Charter also recognises that residents of nursing homes have the responsibility to ensure that the exercising of their individual rights does not affect others’ individual rights, including those providing care. The Charter recognises that residents have specific rights and responsibilities which balance the needs of the individual against the needs of the nursing home community as a whole.

Each Resident of a Nursing Home has the RIGHT:

• to full and effective use of his or her personal, civil, legal and consumer rights
• to quality care which is appropriate to his or her needs
• to full information about his or her own state of health and about available treatments
• to be treated with dignity and respect, and to live without exploitation, abuse or neglect
• to live without discrimination or victimisation, and without being obliged to feel grateful to those providing his or her care and accommodation
• to personal privacy
• to live in a safe, secure and homelike environment, and to move freely both within and outside the residential care service without undue restriction
• to be treated and accepted as an individual, and to have his or her individual preferences to be taken into account and treated with respect
• to continue his or her cultural and religious practices and to retain the language of his or her choice, without discrimination
• to select and maintain social and personal relationships with any person without fear, criticism or restriction
• to freedom of speech
• to maintain his or her personal independence, which includes a recognition of personal responsibility for his or her own actions and choices, even though some actions may involve an element of risk which the resident has the right to accept, and that should then not be used to prevent or restrict those actions
• to maintain control over, and to continue making decisions about, the personal aspects of his or her daily life, his or her financial affairs and possessions
• to be involved in the activities, associations and friendships of his or her choice, both within and outside the residential care service
• to have access to services and activities which are available generally in the community
• to be consulted on, and to choose to have input into, decisions about the living arrangements of the residential care service
• to have access to information about his or her rights, care, accommodation, and any other information which relates to him or her personally
• to complain and to take action to resolve disputes
• to have access to advocates and other avenues of redress
• to be free from reprisal, or a well-founded fear of reprisal, in any form for taking action to enforce his or her rights.

Each Resident of Nursing Home has the RESPONSIBILITY:

• to respect the rights and needs of other people within the residential care service, and to respect the needs of the residential care service community as a whole
• to respect the rights of staff and the proprietor to work in an environment which is free from harassment
• to care for his or her own health and well-being, as far as he or she is capable
• to inform his or her medical history and his or her current state of health.

Seniors Information Service

This service has been set up as joint Commonwealth State initiative to safeguard the rights of elderly residents in aged care facilities in South Australia.

Address: Council on the Ageing
45 Flinders Street Adelaide S.A. 5000
Tel. (08) 8232 1441

The Aged Rights Advocacy Service

This service has also been set up to protect the rights of aged people and officers will be happy to discuss any matters of concern with you.

Address: 45 Flinders Street
Adelaide S.A. 5000
Tel. (08) 8232 5377