IMPORTANT REMINDER OF PROPRIETOR OBLIGATIONS
SUPPORTED RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES – Under the Act & Regulations
All proprietors of Supported Residential Facilities must meet the requirements of the legislations which governs their operation. This yearly flyer is intended to ensure there are appropriate management structures in place for the wellbeing and care of the residents living in the facility; and serve as a reminder of some of the proprietor/manager obligations and responsibilities. If you have any questions or concerns related to compliance with the legislation you are encouraged to talk to your Council/Licensing Authority for further clarification and guidance.
1. MEDICATION MANAGEMENT DURING SUMMER
- Pursuant to Regulation 13 of the Supported Residential Facilities Regulations 2009
Human body temperature is controlled by a complex system within the central nervous system. Some medications, such as common antipsychotic, antidepressant and anti-parkinsonian medications, can block the neurotransmitters that control body temperature. As a result, in warmer weather, the body can sometimes not respond appropriately to naturally cool itself leading to overheating and dehydration. Some medications also have a side-effect of dehydration regardless of the warmer weather. Dehydration in itself can be life threatening but can also cause drug toxicity because the concentration of the administered drug is not diluted by the natural accumulation of water in the body.
Symptoms to Watch For:· Irritability or change in behaviour
· Rapid, full pulse and heartbeat
· Rapid breathing
· Cold, pale skin (may be ashen-grey)
· Profuse perspiration
· Dizziness, headache and weakness
· Nausea, vomiting
· Cramps in the abdominal area or in the extremities
· Abnormally low or high body temperature
· Low blood pressure / Strategies to Consider:
· Encourage activity during cooler periods of the day
· Have sun screen lotion readily available
· Have plenty of fluids available (avoid coffee, tea & alcohol and drinks high in sugar)
· Encourage residents to dress in loose fitting, light-coloured clothing
· Encourage residents to eat fresh, raw fruit and vegetables that have high water content
· Keep the indoor environment as cool as possible
If your residents are not responding well to their medication in the warmer weather, remember to record this on their service plan and report it to their general practitioner because there may be other medication available that will be more appropriate for use during warmer weather.
2. ACTING MANAGER
- Pursuant to Regulation 17 of the Supported Residential Facilities Regulations 2009
If your regular manager is taking some time away from the facility, you need to appoint an acting manager. The person whom you choose to be the acting manager will need to be approved by your Licensing Authority. The approval process is relatively simple; in advance, just supply the Licensing Authority with the following details:
· A completed application form
· A copy of the individual’s current National Police History Check Report
· Evidence to support that the individual has suitable skills/knowledge to an acting manager e.g. Training Certificates and work history
· Contact details for at least one reference
Once approved, the Acting Manager will have the same responsibilities as your regular manager, i.e. attending the facility at least 25 hours each week – refer to Regulation 16 for a full list of responsibilities. The Acting Manager can work at your facility in their new role for a maximum of 3 consecutive months.
If you wish, you can obtain a pre-approval for an acting manager and then notify your Licensing Authority of the dates your regular manager will be taking leave.
It is best practice that management, and support staffs, at the facility have the following qualifications to demonstrate suitable skills/knowledge:
· Disability Studies Cert iii
· Senior First Aid – Workplace Level 2
· Provide Physical Assistance with Medication
· Occupational Health Safety & Welfare / Back Care.
3. ADMISSION PROCEDURES
- Pursuant to Guideline 3 of the Supported Residential Facilities Guidelines 2011
The inclusion of an individual as a resident of your SRF should come through SRF Intake and Support, Single Entry Point (SEP). SEP allows for effective analysis of the potential resident to ensure that they can be provided with the correct level of care required and that they are suited to life in a group environment. SEP also determines a potential resident’s eligibility for Board and Care Subsidy. Discussions with SEP and your management team are important to ensure the potential resident will fit with the existing residents, thereby maintaining a home-like environment for all residents. It is only when an individual is considered suitable by SEP and your facility that they should be admitted to your facility.
If you are presented with an individual who would like to become a resident in your SRF, contact SEP to check if your facility is the most appropriate to help with their personal care. Additionally, if there are changes to a resident’s mental or physical health you may wish to have them reassessed with SEP.