THERE are few in our community who would argue that children and the elderly are our most vulnerable citizens and that their welfare should be of paramount concern.

That is why allegations of sub-standard care in our nursing homes, child care centres and the like prompt emotive responses such as we saw with news at the weekend that a Ballarat facility was under investigation.

Kirralee Nursing Home in Ballarat East is now subject to the "strongest ever" measures imposed by the government on such an establishment to ensure it lifts its game.

The measures were introduced after a surprise check on July 18 found residents were not being properly cared for.

For some of the families of the 91 residents at Kirralee, the news was shocking. Some of those families contacted The Courier yesterday to express their shock.

Others called to support the home.

Undoubtedly, there will be families who are pleased with the care their relatives are getting at Kirralee. But that should be all residents, not just some.

It is hard to believe that staff at the nursing home would deliberately mistreat those in their care, however, the government has found the facility lacking in 33 out of 44 areas it checked and it will be up to management and staff at Kirralee to address that.

The failings within the system are apparently so serious that the matter has been reported to police for investigation.

Kirralee is managed by Aged Care Services 27. The government is now looking at more than 30 other facilities the company owns as well.

There is always a risk, when care facilities are run for profit, that cost efficiencies will come before patient care.

Whether that has happened in this case is not yet clear.

It is up to the government to ensure that sufficient safety nets are in place - along with the legal powers and resources to enforce them - to ensure patients and residents get the best possible care available.

In Kirralee's case, it has been put on notice, both by the government and the public, that its practices were not up to standard.

Aged Care Services 27 has acknowledged that it "can and will do better".

The community will be watching to make sure it does.

Source: The Courier - Editorial