Quality assurance in residences for people with a disability

To review the quality of service in 7 residences for people with a disability administered by the NSW Department of Health in the New England Region.

Evaluation of each residence by an evaluation team using an evaluation package incorporating three approaches to assessment: process measures, goal-oriented outcome measures, and interviews or questionnaires.

This comprehensive review of the 7 residences showed that high standards had been set throughout the New England Region and that the evaluation package was a powerful tool for staff keen to improve the lifestyle of people with a disability. Some of the notable changes made as a direct result of the evaluation included additional staff for recreation and leisure; more flexible administrative control from local hospitals; increased staff consistency in home routine training; and increased community integration programming.