Having a close association to a resident and often visiting Pulkapulkka Kari it concerns me at how it got its big tick.

To begin with, how does the kitchen facility meet the needs of its residents and have a high standard?

For instance, why isn’t afternoon tea provided? It is a long wait from lunch time 12.30 to dinner time 5 pm. A glass of cordial at 3 pm is not an afternoon tea.

My elder friend often commented on not enough tucker and often craved something a little more culturally appropriate. One small party size sausage roll for a dinner “or” two little cocktail franks for dinner on a plate is not adequate for a meal.

Where are the hygiene standards?

For instance, I thought it was compulsory for all kitchen staff to wear hair nets and gloves, when working in the kitchen. I never saw this, but perhaps they were put on for the big tick people.

Let’s be grateful there is a newly appointed activity supervisor (a big tick for that).

My elder friend never was involved in any activity. I personally spoke to the activity person many times and asked could my friend have stimulation and was met with the response “I have no time”.

I also never saw on my frequent visits any type of activity apart from the same cartoon video being replayed over and over again in a lounge room full of other residents, who did not benefit from such an activity.

My friend and I have talked in language and I never saw anyone take the time to understand language, so please how can needs be met. In regards to a high level of nursing care?

How did all aged care facility pass all 44 standards with flying colours?

I don’t understand why my elder friend was most of the time wet and even sometimes in goona when I would visit.

I asked once and was told very abruptly “we are busy now, just wait.”

Surely, as DON, Ms Buckley you must be aware. Or do you need to spend a little more time observing what is going on right under your nose?

It seems in the Northern Territory you don’t need to do much to get the big ticks.

There maybe longevity, but where is the respect, culturally appropriate activities and quality of life for our elders?

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We gave the management of Pulkapulkka Kari Nursing Home the opportunity to respond to this letter so all issues could be aired in the one publication. Rosemary Jeffery from Frontier Services has replied on behalf of Pulkapulkka Kari Nursing Home. – Editor.