After auditors spent two days interviewing residents and staff, Fronditha Care’s largest facility in Thornbury has passed its first accreditation under the new ‘unannounced’ system with flying colours.
The 120-bed residential aged care facility was visited by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency on 13 and 14 November, during which auditors immersed themselves in the daily routine and reviewed reports and procedures.
Conducted every three years, this is the first time Fronditha Care has undergone an ‘unannounced’ audit, as opposed to being given notice, a change introduced to encourage consistently high levels of compliance.
“We haven’t needed to change our operations at all, because we’re always ready for a review,” said Fronditha Care CEO George Lekakis AO.
“The Thornbury facility has successfully passed every accreditation it has come up against since its establishment in 1997.”
During their visit, auditors saw the facility’s lifestyle and activity program in action. On the Tuesday, acclaimed Greek Australian composer Christos Ioannidis was seen entertaining residents, while DJ Stelios was on the decks on Wednesday.
“Music isn’t just entertainment for our residents, it really is a form of therapy,” said Fronditha Care’s General Manager of Operations Jim Scantsonihas.
“It can trigger unique emotions and remind people of happy occasions.”
Meanwhile chef Soula Baltouni and her team impressed the assessors with a mostly Mediterranean menu, featuring traditional gemista and okra dishes.
“It’s a testament to the management and their hard working staff,” Mr Scantsonihas said of the facility’s successful re-accreditation.
“I can see that our brand values of respect, do right, bring joy and inspire better are instilled in our staff.”