Mark of excellence for aged care in Portland

In December 2022, star ratings were implemented for all government-funded residential aged care services, giving consumers reliable information about the quality of care provided by services and how they compare to one another.

In its recent accreditation, Portland’s aged care centre, operated by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, has come out on top with an exemplary 5-star rating.

Only eleven facilities across the state, slightly over 1%, earned a five-star rating.

Service manager Nichole Simmons says this reflects a commitment to the highest standards of care and a positive workplace culture.

“We are really focused on lifestyle and wellbeing,” says Nichole. “The residents are happy and engaged and there has been some very positive feedback from families.”

“All of the team, from the cleaning staff to our clerk, from our nurses to the kitchen staff, we’re all here for that common goal.”

The rating system considers every aspect of a service, from how they comply with standards and regulations, to quality measures relating to residents’ health, how residents' feel about their care, and the amount of nursing and personal care provided.

Nichole Simmons also emphasises how the benefits of living and working rurally can play a part in achieving such good quality care.

“Personalising care is easier in a small, local environment,” Nichole says. “It’s that close connection you can have with staff, residents and families - we’re just like one big family.”