Audit of Residential Facilities, Final report - Division for Social Policy ...

The shortage of nursing staff could be addressed with the Department of Health toexplore the possibility of these posts being subsidised or co-funded as the medicalcomponent forms the core of services provided to older persons.For many homes, transport is problematic especially when residents need to go tohospital. DSD should facilitate discussion between homes, the Department of Health andHospitals in an attempt to find a solution.4. Governance Boards need to be trained in order to understand their role in relation to good governance.In addition, they need to distinguish their role from that of managementThe Board should develop a policy of rotation and changing Board members within aspecified time periodIn addition there must be a succession plan for Board members who leave and those whomight be interested in joining.5. Management capacity A management training programme must be developed for all home managers thatfocuses on the management of people, performance management, as well as aspectssuch as conflict management, building a cohesive team, and understanding diversitymanagement which is crucial for real transformationThere must be a properly implemented performance management system in place withregular assessments of staff undertakenCaring management is important in this environment as it impacts on the ability of staff todo their jobs effectively and with pride. Staff management conflicts need to be addressed.Staff retention policies and procedures need to be developed which can includecounselling and stress management supportThe staff and management in all the homes must be familiarised with the norms andstandards as well as the rights of older persons6. Staff capacity There is a problem of the shortage of staff, that needs to be addressed but this hasfinancial implicationsThere is a need to build the capacity of staff through regular training programmes. Thiswould allow staff to be updated with the most recent practices in the care for olderpersons82 | D S D A u d i t o f R e s i d e n t i a l F a c i l i t i e s