Then there is family involvement. If management had met with the family support group and addressed their concerns, then Riverside might have been avoided. It should be standard practice for management and care staff of nursing homes and hostels to involve families in resident care planning. Alternative advocates are required for residents without families available for this role. Training for staff is essential.
Staff turnover is high.
Basic medical, dementia and nursing knowledge of unqualified workers is low. Continuing training is a key to good care. Previous initiatives included the training guarantee levy, and the Residential Care Training Initiative, which has received no government funding since the new act in 1997. A concerted, continuing, compulsory education program is required. There is also matching the funding of care hours to residents' needs.