Aged Care

Emergency Management for Aged Care

Aged care facilities face emergency management challenges unlike any other sector. Residents may have limited mobility, cognitive impairment, or medical dependencies that complicate evacuation. Staff must balance emergency response with ongoing care obligations. Regulatory expectations are high, and families trust facilities to keep their loved ones safe.

Messana Group has extensive experience working with aged care facilities throughout Australia. We develop emergency procedures that protect vulnerable residents while meeting the sector’s stringent compliance requirements.

The Aged Care Challenge

Resident Mobility: Many aged care residents cannot evacuate independently. Some use wheelchairs or walkers, others are bedridden, and some may resist assistance due to cognitive conditions. Emergency procedures must account for these realities.

Cognitive Considerations: Residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments may not understand emergency instructions, may become agitated during alarms, or may attempt to return to their rooms. Staff need specific techniques for managing these situations.

24/7 Operations: Aged care facilities operate continuously, but staffing levels vary dramatically between day and night shifts. Emergency procedures must work regardless of when incidents occur.

Medical Dependencies: Some residents depend on powered medical equipment, require regular medication, or need specific care protocols. Evacuation planning must address these dependencies.

Regulatory Environment: Aged care facilities face extensive regulatory oversight. Emergency management failures attract significant attention from regulators, families, and media.

Our Aged Care Solutions

Facility-Specific Emergency Management Plans

We develop emergency management plans tailored to your facility:

• Resident-specific evacuation strategies
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for high-needs residents
• Day and night shift procedures with different staffing levels
• Shelter-in-place options when evacuation is not appropriate
• Medical equipment and medication management during emergencies
• Family notification protocols

Staff Training Programs

Our training addresses the specific needs of aged care staff:

• Warden training adapted for care environments
• Techniques for evacuating mobility-impaired residents
• Managing cognitively impaired residents during emergencies
• Communication with residents, families, and emergency services
• Integration of care and emergency responsibilities

Evacuation Exercises

We conduct evacuation exercises appropriate for aged care settings:

• Partial evacuations that minimise resident distress
• Night shift exercises to test reduced staffing scenarios
• Desktop exercises for complex scenarios
• Graduated exercises building staff confidence over time

Compliance Support

We help facilities meet their regulatory obligations:

• Documentation that satisfies Aged Care Quality Standards
• Emergency Planning Committee facilitation
• Annual compliance calendar management
• Audit preparation and support

Why Aged Care Chooses Messana Group

Sector Experience: We understand the operational realities and regulatory environment of aged care. Our solutions work within these constraints.

Resident Focus: Our procedures prioritise resident welfare. We design evacuations that minimise distress while ensuring safety.

Practical Training: Our trainers understand that aged care staff have limited time for training. We deliver focused, practical sessions that build genuine capability.

Ongoing Partnership: Emergency preparedness in aged care requires continuous attention. We provide ongoing support, not just one-time services.

Getting Started

Contact us to discuss your aged care facility’s emergency management needs. We offer complimentary assessments to review your current procedures and identify priorities.

Messana Group helps aged care facilities protect their residents while meeting compliance obligations.