By Bridie Byrne
A TIGHT-KNIT Hoppers Crossing family was left distraught last week over disturbing reports of neglect at a Werribee nursing home.
Federal authorities imposed sanctions on Werribee Terrace Aged Care after citing serious concerns with residents wound management, infection control, nutrition and general clinical care.
Vicki Vienna said her mother-in-law Edith Vienna, 74, suffered from dementia and was a silent victim.
“They can’t defend for themselves so someone has to,” she said
“My daughter will go in to pick her up for a visit and they have her sitting in a chair in the clothes she has wet herself in.
“The bed will be wet and it stinks in her room. It can take them an hour to find someone to clean it up.”
Mrs Vienna has lived at Werribee Terrace for the past three years.
“We can go in there to visit and you have to wait 20 minutes before a nurse comes through,” her daughter-in-law said.
Her four grandchildren are upset with the poor duty of care.
“We should have been told earlier about what was going on,” Vicki said.
Star spoke to shattered relatives after a heated meeting last Wednesday night.
A family member said the staff turnover was a worry.
“You never see the same person here twice,” she said.
“Three or four years ago you were able to get to know the staff on a personal level but now there is not any of that.
“They are not here long enough to get to know the residents.”
Werribee Terrace Aged Care looks after some of the community’s chronically infirm people.
The home has 65 high-care residents with 11 over the age of 90.
Chief executive David Gibson said he was apologetic for the lapses in procedures.
“The care of our residents is our highest priority, we take these issues very seriously and we are working around the clock to address them,” he said.
“Werribee Terrace Aged Care has already implemented a staff restructure that will result in improved procedures, including monitoring and supervision.
“In addition, all staff are undergoing further specialised training from accredited external specialists in all areas of care that relate to our residents’ conditions.”
Mr Gibson said the 75-member team was not short-staffed.
“If there are staff shortages you have to get external agencies but our staff has been sufficient,” he said.
It is not the first time the home has come under fire. Sanctions were enforced four years ago for behavioural management.
The nursing home underwent its latest snap inspection last Monday following a serious complaint.
