06 May 2022

Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families: Positive cases identified at Calvary The Homestead

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately two (2) additional residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary The Homestead since our last communication to you. The positive residents remain in isolation and are receiving care in their rooms. We have contacted their families and are keeping them informed.

In line with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care, visitation to the home will recommence tomorrow 07 May 2022. There are, however, specific requirements to help keep our residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible. Please see below:

Information for visitors during an outbreak

• Calvary The Homestead will reopen to visitors on Saturday 07 May 2022.
• One fully vaccinated visitor per resident, may visit to the home from 11.00am – 5.00pm daily (please note while positive residents are in isolation they cannot receive visitors).
• Visitation on Mother’s Day 08 May will remain permitted to one fully vaccinated visitor per resident for the day. We acknowledge the difficulty that comes with this however we must keep our residents as safe as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
• All visitors will be supplied with the appropriate PPE (including face mask/shields/gown/gloves) to wear whilst visiting.
• We ask that you view this short video prior to visiting the home, which explains what to expect when you visit during an outbreak including how to don (put on) and doff (take off) PPE. Staff will be able to assist you as required.
• Visitors will be required to have a rapid antigen test (RAT test) before entering the home. This takes time, and we ask for your patience as we manage this important screening process.
• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, residents who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the home manager to discuss arrangements.

We will continue to liaise closely with Public Health Unit officials, who will make the decision about whether and when it is safe to remove the current visitation restrictions. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. We anticipate our next communication to you will be early next week.

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for situations such as these and are trained in strict infection control procedures. They continue to focus all of their attention on the individual care needs of residents. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience at this time.

Sincerely,                                                   

Ryan Midgley,

General Manager Aged Care