Monthly Care Statements are designed to offer residents and their representatives a comprehensive overview of the care provided each month. The Department of Health and Aged Care is now encouraging residential aged care providers to offer Monthly Care Statements voluntarily starting in October 2024 before they become mandatory.
The quality of care in residential aged care facilities is of paramount importance to both residents and their families. One of the most effective ways to ensure that residents receive the care they need is through clear, consistent communication between care providers and the residents or their representatives. In line with this goal, a new initiative is being developed to introduce Monthly Care Statements.
Monthly Care Statements aim to provide a detailed summary of the care residents receive each month, along with any significant changes or events that may have occurred. The update serves as a valuable tool for residents and their representatives, enabling them to keep a thorough record of care. It also facilitates more informed and meaningful conversations with care providers, ensuring that any concerns or needs are promptly addressed.
What information do Monthly Care Statements need to include?
Monthly Care Statements provide a comprehensive overview of a resident’s wellbeing, including details on activities, nutrition, weight management, medication changes, and appointments.
Every Monthly Care Statement must include the following sections:
Resident Identification (Name/Initials and Birth Year)
To maintain privacy, use partial details to identify each resident. For instance, combine initials with the birth year to form a unique ID (e.g., JS45 for John Smith born in 1945). This approach not only protects privacy but also streamlines the process of filling out the statement. Feel free to select identifiers that work best for you.
Wellbeing Activities
Document activities from the five domains of recreation: physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual. You can include any relevant activities in this section.
- A summary of the care services provided during the month
- Any significant changes in the resident’s health or care plan
- Notable events or incidents that occurred during the month
- Updates on the resident’s progress or any adjustments made to their care.
Nutrition and Weight
Record the resident’s current weight and note any changes since the previous statement, indicating both the percentage change (%) and the amount in kilograms (+ or -). If the weight change was intentional, provide the reasons for it. Use the “Additional information about nutrition and weight” field to include details that are not covered by the tick boxes, such as specific diet types or any allergies.
Medication Changes
If more space is needed to list additional medications, you can attach another page or use the “Additional information about medication changes” text box. You may also attach relevant medication management documents, such as medication charts that list prescribed, complementary, and over-the-counter medications.
Appointments
Record all hospital and other appointments attended, including the date, reason, and the hospital or clinic visited. Include details about appointments with professionals such as GPs, physiotherapists, dentists, etc. Make sure to document both on-site appointments with your team and any off-site appointments that have been arranged.
Additional information:
The following sections may not be applicable to every Monthly Care Statement or resident. Include them only when there is new or relevant information to report. It is not mandatory to complete every section.
Summary Information
Provide any additional health information about the resident, such as formal medical diagnoses or ongoing treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis. This section can also cover changes in behavior or cognitive abilities. Be sensitive to the resident’s needs when detailing this information.
Wound Management
In the “Injury Status” section, indicate whether a wound has improved, worsened, or stayed the same since the last statement. You may also provide more detailed descriptions, such as if a wound has become infected.
Mobility
If there are changes in the resident’s mobility, explain the reasons in the “Additional information about mobility” text box. Also, mention if the resident uses any mobility aids or requires additional assistance.
Falls
Record the number of falls the resident has experienced since the last statement, even if the number is zero. Use the “Additional information about falls” text box to provide more context, such as the causes of each fall and whether any resulted in serious injury.
Other Relevant Information
Use this section to include any additional details that do not fit elsewhere. You can also add discussion points related to the resident’s care.
For more information download Monthly Care Statements Template and Instructions
The importance of transparency in aged care
Transparency is crucial in the aged care sector. Residents and their families need to feel confident that they are receiving the highest standard of care. By providing detailed Monthly Care Statements, care providers can enhance trust and communication, offering peace of mind to both residents and their loved ones.
These statements not only document the care provided but also highlight the responsiveness of the care team to the changing needs of residents. This level of transparency ensures that any significant changes in a resident’s health or care plan are clearly communicated, allowing for timely adjustments and interventions when necessary.
How Acredia software simplifies the process
Implementing a system to generate Monthly Care Statements might seem daunting, but this is where Acredia software comes into play. Acredia is designed to help care providers streamline the process of generating these monthly updates, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Here’s how Acredia software benefits providers:
– Automated statement generation and distribution: Acredia automates the creation of Monthly Care Statements, reducing the administrative burden on staff. This automation ensures that statements are generated on time and with all the necessary details included.
– Ability to view or flag statements prior to dissemination: Acredia provides the ability to flag individual statements for managerial review before they are dispersed, based on predetermined indicators such as an incident report.
– Integration with Acredia’s family app: Family members can view care statements directly using the Acredia Family App, saving staff time in distribution.
– Customisable reporting: Providers can customise the content of the statements to meet the specific needs of their residents and the requirements of their facility. This flexibility ensures that the statements are both informative and relevant.
– Real-time data integration: Using real-time data, Acredia ensures that the information in the Monthly Care Statements is up-to-date and accurate.
– Compliance and consistency: Using Acredia, providers can maintain consistency in the information presented across all residents, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Building trust through transparency
The introduction of Monthly Care Statements marks a significant step forward in improving communication and transparency in residential aged care. With the help of Acredia software, providers can efficiently manage this process, ensuring that residents and their representatives receive the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
By embracing this approach, aged care facilities can strengthen relationships with residents and their families, demonstrating their commitment to providing high-quality, personalised care. Ultimately, Monthly Care Statements not only empower residents and their representatives but also contribute to the ongoing improvement of care standards across the industry.
To find out more about how Acredia can support your aged care organisation, book a demonstration or visit our resources page for more information.
