“This is the culmination of an extensive investigation by my team to protect the welfare of residents,” Kolmus said.
The investigation found evidence of problems including bullying and intimidation of residents;unsafe,unhygienic and uninhabitable living conditions;poor quality and insufficient quantity of food;inadequate provision of personal and health care;the opening of private mail;and the forging of residents’ signatures.
The deregistration of Sydenham Grace follows the appointment of administrators Ernst and Young in January and the deregistration of a sister facility,Gracemanor,in June.
Sydenham Grace and Gracemanor share the same proprietor that the regulator determined was not suitable to operate and support residential service on conduct and character grounds.
There are 114 supported residential services in Victoria. Last year,the regulator conducted 158 inspections and issued 110 compliance notices to 24 services.
An investigation byThe Age last yearhighlighted widespread problems and poor living conditions in some supported residential services,which are state-regulated but privately run.
In September 2020,the Victorian government placed another supported residential facility,Hambleton House in Albert Park,into administration after a COVID-19 outbreak revealed shocking conditions,including uncapped needles,mattresses stained with bodily fluids,and spoiled food.