Tamworth's Bupa aged care home that bitterly failed Aged Care Quality Standards audit bounces back a year on

A number of changes have been made at the facility since November 2019, and as of the most recent review, it's fully compliant with the Aged Care Quality Standards.

The staff are committed to providing residents with the high-quality care they deserve, Bupa Tamworth general manager Tim Whyte said.

"We've undertaken a range of training and education initiatives with our team, provided greater clinical oversight and lifted our focus on lifestyle activities to help keep residents entertained, particularly while COVID-19 visitor restrictions were in place," he said.

"We have engaged with our families, ensuring that they are aware of their loved one's care needs, how they are changing and what we can do to assist in supporting them."

Bupa Tamworth made headlines at the end of 2019 when a Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission audit found it failed 39 out of 42 standards, including clinical care, skin and wound care, bowel and behaviour management.

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It found elderly residents were at a high risk of falls, pressure injuries, medication mismanagement and unintended weight-loss.

In May last year, Bupa was ordered to pay millions to elderly residents for services they paid for but never received.

At least 60 former and current residents in Tamworth were among those who paid for special meals, physiotherapy and even air-conditioning but did not receive it.

Since then the service has undergone a major overhaul, Mr Whyte said.

"We are committed to continuing to provide our residents with the high quality care they expect and deserve, and continue to hold regular discussions with residents and their families to act on any feedback they have, and ensure they are informed about what's happening at the home," he said.