Media release – August 29, 2013

Online publishing of full rest home audit reports welcomed

A move to have greater information on rest homes available online is welcomed by Age Concern New Zealand.

From November, the Ministry of Health will trial a new system giving people access to full rest home audit reports, in addition to the audit summaries already available on its website.

People will be able to see if a rest home has any current problems and what is being done to fix them. Historical audit summaries going back to 2009 will also be published so people can see what progress has been made and if there are any ongoing issues.

Age Concern National President Evelyn Weir welcomes the changes.

“It’s a positive move. When you are choosing a rest home for your mother or father or other older relative, you can never have too much information. And, if a rest home does have any shortcomings you want to know about them and what’s being done about them.”

Mrs Weir said some people will want the 100-page full audit reports, whereas others will be satisfied with the summaries.

“But to have the option will be great for some. All the information will be in front of us and available to look through.”

Mrs Weir says if people are considering a rest home, it is always a good idea to visit more than once and meet some of the staff and residents.

“It’s like buying a home, you want to have a good look through and get a real feel for the place and its elements - what’s important for you.”

Mrs Weir says while audit reports can always be obtained through the Official Information Act, having them published online will make them more accessible and convenient to access, as well as thorough for those people who want all the information.

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