As Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic approaches its third year and continues to have a significant impact on the Aged Care sector, lifting the morale of our teams, residents and families remains a priority.

COVID-19 means loved ones are unable to be together as often as they once were, group activities are far more restricted and our team members are working under much greater pressure.

Understandably, the impact of COVID-19 is felt most by Aged Care communities which are subject to government ‘lockdown’ requirements and remain closed to visitors.

On 11 January we invited loved ones to share messages of support to help lift the spirits of our teams who are working diligently and in line with strict infection control measures to keep our residents safe.

A huge thank you to those who provided messages of support. Your uplifting words were sent to all Aged Care team members via text and email, and I’m very pleased to let you know they made a significant impact.

It’s not too late if you would like to share a message of support. Please do so by emailing marketing@unitingsa.com.au.

WANT TO BE PART OF OUR COVID COMPASSION COLLABORATIVE?

UnitingSA’s leadership team is currently exploring avenues to help boost the morale of our Aged Care communities. As part of this work, we are issuing an expression of interest to identify any loved ones who may have a talent or connection that could be drawn upon.

Perhaps you are part of a band, have artistic flare, or are a busker or circus performer. Or maybe you have a talented family member, friend, or even a pet. You might just have a great idea to share.

Regardless, we would love to hear from you if you believe you may be able to inspire or help deliver a COVID-friendly initiative to brighten up one of our Aged Care communities.

Our Lifestyle Teams continue to come up with fun and innovative ways to support our residents. However, we would love your support to do something extra for our residents and teams.

Please contact marketing@unitingsa.com.au if you would like to be involved in our COVID Compassion Collaborative. We can’t wait to hear from you and see what we can achieve together!

COVID-19 SITUATION UPDATES FOR ALL UNITINGSA SITES

Our twice weekly updates incorporate a situation summary for each of our Residential Aged Care homes.

HAWKSBURY GARDENS AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 3 Outbreak Management Plan enacted, with the site remaining closed to visitors.
Latest cases/exposures: Two residents have been cleared for COVID-19, which reduces our total number of COVID-positive residents to nine. No new staff have tested positive since the previous update.
Testing: We are waiting on the delivery of Rapid Antigen Testing kits, and are actively pursuing both State and Federal Government supply channels.
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents was held on 19 January 2022.

REGENCY GREEN AGED CARE
The Regency Green situation remains unchanged, as per our previous update.
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents was held on 17 January 2022.

SEATON AGED CARE
The Seaton Aged Care situation remains unchanged, as per our previous update.
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents was held on 17 December 2021.

WESLEY HOUSE AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: A family member who visited the site on Tuesday, 18 January has been deemed a close contact of a COVID-19 case. The resident they visited is currently isolating while we wait on the family member’s test results.
Testing: Nil
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for staff will be held on 25 January 2022.

WEST LAKES AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: Our Residential Operations Manager is currently isolating at home, due to a household member testing positive. Stephanie remains contactable and is managing day-to-day operations remotely.
Testing: Our Residential Operations Manager is undergoing testing, and her first test result was negative.
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents was held on 18 January 2022.

WESTMINSTER VILLAGE AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: A staff member is undergoing testing as they have been deemed a close contact. We are awaiting their test results.
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents was held on 14 January 2022.

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 situation at our Aged Care homes, please contact our COVID-19 Hotline on (08) 8448 6300 between 8am and 8pm daily.