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Rebecca 14th Mar 2016 Diversional Therapy Corrdinator
Hi there!! I am just wondering what resident to staff ratio do you all use for activities and what is an industry standard?? I am unable to really find any information at the moment on the internet about this.
kerryn 14th Mar 2016 lifestyle and leisure coordinator
Yes very good question, l dont know if there is one sadly
Solange 15th Mar 2016 Diversional Therapist
As far as I know there are no laws to regulate staff-resident ratios as yet in Australia. The Aged Care Act 1997 mentions “an adequate number of appropriately trained staff”. That means if you work in a facility where the Manager is under pressure to meet the targeted budget he/she may resort to reducing staff and staff hours.

Mostly the staff-resident ratio varies according to the care needs of each individual, which can fluctuate. I am sorry I cannot give you a better answer. We really need a government mandated minimum staff-resident ratio so that quality care and services are provided to all residents.
Jade 16th Mar 2016
Yes Solange this is true, and without proper standards being introduced by the government, the lifestyle department continues to be a grey area. Each Lifestyle department is purely at the mercy of the Facility Manager or the company to delegate Lifestyle hours and the budget they have to run their department.

I am looking forward to the day when we all have a level playing field and be valued and recognised for the work we do and given the proper supports to provide the person centred care we are striving to achieve.
Michelle 19th Mar 2016
I believe here in the UK it is four to one but that is rarely met I must admit in our home especially if an entertainer is in. I am lucky that I have a few relatives that come in regularly that can lend a helping hand on craft and baking days otherwise I would need four pairs of hands let alone two!

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