Dear Resident or Family Member,

As the Easter weekend approaches, we find ourselves and our world in a very different place from previous years. For many of us, Easter usually marks an opportunity to travel, visit and be with our loved ones. This year, we will need to adapt to the challenge of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

As you know, the evolving COVID-19 situation in Australia has meant we have had to introduce new measures, with speed, in the interest of protecting the safety and wellbeing of residents, their friends and family, and our staff.

We understand that this has been difficult for families and residents, and thank each of you for playing your part in the effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in our residential aged care homes.

I am thankful that I can report that there has not been a positive COVID-19 case in a Calvary residential aged care home. I can also assure you that our staff continue to attend to the needs of residents with creativity and an outstanding dedication to care for the whole person, whether these needs be spiritual, physical, or emotional, in this especially challenging time.

While this year, restrictions have meant we cannot visit our loved ones in person, we can however take the opportunity to reach out and be present at this time by:

• making a phone call;
• sending an email or SMS message; and/or
• putting a card in the post.

Such acts of kindness can have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing, reducing the effects of social isolation, particularly at this time.

At Calvary, we are working to introduce a standardised set of video conferencing technologies to help our residents to connect with their friends and family in new ways. This work has progressed to the point of implementation and the training of staff. For more information, please contact your home at:

E: ryde@calvarycare.org.au

P: (02) 8878 1400

We acknowledge and thank our staff who will be working to keep the people in our care connected with loved ones, and critically, safe, this Easter.

Easter is a time for hope and new beginnings. Together, we can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and keep Calvary a safe and healing place for all.

Sincerely,

Luke Sams, Director of Operations - Aged Care

Godwin D'Amato, Manager, Ryde