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The Westminster Tradition

Oakden aged care scandal part 1 - good in a crisis (...bad on the follow through)

Feb 3, 2025
Explore the shocking history of the Oakden aged care facility, where systemic abuse and neglect led to a royal commission in 2017. Discover the critical failures in management and compliance that left residents vulnerable for years. The discussion reveals why crisis responses are often swift, yet long-term changes are resistant to implementation. Insights from past staff highlight a culture that stifled improvement. Tune in for reflections on the struggle to address both immediate needs and deeper systemic issues in aged care.
35:15

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Oakden facility's operational failures revealed a concerning tendency for management to prioritize immediate compliance over sustainable care improvements.
  • The inquiry highlighted a significant disconnect between management priorities and frontline staff needs, contributing to systemic elder abuse and mal-administration.

Deep dives

Substandard Conditions and Staff Practices

The Oakden facility was described as inadequate, messy, and dirty, with unacceptable staff practices that ignored residents' dignity and care needs. When concerns were raised about these practices, staff dismissed them, claiming a lack of understanding of mental health. Families reported instances of over-medication and mistreatment, highlighting a culture of compliance over care within the institution. This established an environment where systemic elder abuse could occur unchecked for a decade.

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