29 December 2021 | View in Browser
 
 
Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Update for Residents and Families
 

Dear Resident and Family Members,

RE: RE: Updated Visitor Access – Calvary Residential Aged Care Homes

All residents and families will be very aware of the rapid increase in community transmission across all Australian states and territories. In the past week, Calvary homes have experienced an unprecedented number of exposures and outbreaks of COVID-19 resulting in a number of lockdowns.

We remain committed to the safety and wellbeing of our residents and have made the difficult decision to restrict visiting to all of our homes. We acknowledge that contact with a loved one is of critical importance to a resident’s well-being, and is as important as our continued focus on the safety and health of the residents in our care.

Effective tomorrow, 30 December 2021, visitors will be restricted to one single nominated visitor per resident.  For homes that are currently in lockdown conditions where no visitation is allowed, this will take effect when the exposure/outbreak is declared over.

Visitation exceptions may apply for residents at end of life, or who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the manager of your home to discuss arrangements.

What does this mean for residents and families?

Effective from 30 December 2021, the following visitation access will apply:

One nominated visitor is permitted per resident.

  • Each family should nominate the visitor and notify the home manager of who this person is.
  • Visits are limited to one per day during the visiting hours currently in place in your home.
  • Visitors are strongly encouraged to have obtained a booster vaccine if they are eligible for one.

Visitors are required to wear a surgical mask.

  • Calvary can provide one if required. It is important that the mask remain on at all times including in the resident’s room.

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted entry.

Resident social outings are not permitted.

  • Medical appointments may be attended as usual

Visitors must not enter the home at all if they:

  • ohave COVID-19 symptoms - fever (37. 5°C or higher) or symptoms of COVID-19;
  • have been to any exposure sites in any state or overseas;
  • are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period;
  • live in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating; and/or
  • are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

The cooperation of residents and family members in helping our staff manage the risk of infection to the people in our care has been excellent and we appreciate your ongoing support.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the manager of your home should you have any questions or would like to discuss the individual care needs of your loved one.

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation in this challenging time and for helping us to keep everyone safe.

Sincerely,

Martin Bowles, National CEO