As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, we would like to assure you that the health and wellbeing of our residents, clients, colleagues and communities remains our absolute priority. To read about how we are responding as an organisation, please stay up to date with the latest news as well as information below.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for our community
Our response to COVID-19
Please see tailored information specific to different members of our UnitingSA community.
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UnitingSA Aged Care Families and Visitors
Residential Aged Care
In order to ensure the health and safety of our residents, we are introducing temporary measures advised by the Federal Government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 across our aged care facilities.
Please refer to the letters sent to UnitingSA aged care families and visitors for more detail:
- AGED CARE LETTER: 1 MARCH 2021
- AGED CARE LETTER: 26 FEBRUARY 2021
- AGED CARE LETTER: 15 FEBRUARY 2021
- AGED CARE LETTER: 8 JANUARY 2021
- AGED CARE LETTER: 31 DECEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 23 DECEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 22 DECEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 14 DECEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 10 DECEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 3 DECEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 1 DECEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 26 NOVEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 24 NOVEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 23 NOVEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 20 NOVEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 16 NOVEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 5 NOVEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 24 AUGUST 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 30 JULY 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 23 JUNE 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 19 JUNE 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 10 JUNE 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 29 MAY 2020
- EVIDENCE OF CONTRAINDICATION TO INFLUENZA VACCINATION FORM
- AGED CARE FACT SHEET – OBTAINING YOU FLU IMMUNISATION STATEMENT: 30 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 29 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE FACT SHEET – VISITOR GUIDELINES: 29 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 24 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE FACT SHEET – VIDEO CALL: 17 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE FACT SHEET – FLU VACCINATION: 17 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 17 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 2 APRIL 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 31 MARCH 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 23 MARCH 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 19 MARCH 2020
- AGED CARE LETTER: 17 MARCH 2020
Scroll down the page to read about our revised aged care visitor restrictions.
Community Home Care
This information applies to UnitingSA’s Home Care and Ethnic Link Services clients and their families:
- LETTER TO COMMUNITY HOME CARE CLIENTS: 17 DECEMBER 2020
- LETTER TO ETHNIC LINK SERVICES CLIENTS: 25 NOVEMBER 2020
- LETTER TO COMMUNITY HOME CARE CLIENTS: 25 NOVEMBER 2020
- FACT SHEET FOR COMMUNITY HOME CARE CLIENTS: 13 MAY 2020
- LETTER TO COMMUNITY HOME CARE CLIENTS: 13 MAY 2020
- FACT SHEET FOR COMMUNITY HOME CARE CLIENTS: 23 APRIL 2020
- LETTER TO COMMUNITY HOME CARE CLIENTS: 20 MARCH 2020
Independent Living Communities
Please read the following information if you are a resident, or loved one of a resident living in one of our independent living communities:
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UnitingSA Community Services Clients
In order to reduce the risk to our colleagues, other clients and families, we are introducing a new temporary screening process for all clients before on-site face-to-face visits, as well as outreach visits. This measure is a direct response to prevention guidelines issued by the Federal Government and will significantly aid our ability to ensure the health and safety of the people we work with.
The screening process will determine whether we are able to safely provide you with face-to-face services at this time. If we cannot provide you with face-to-face services, we will work with you to determine a practical solution to address your needs.
If you are concerned that you may have come into contact with COVID-19, or indeed have become infected, please contact your GP as normal. As always, if you are in urgent need of medical attention please call 000.
- COMMUNITY SERVICES CLIENT LETTER: 23 NOVEMBER 2020
- UNITINGSA HOUSING TENANT LETTER: 19 NOVEMBER 2020
- COMMUNITY SERVICES CLIENT LETTER: 31 MARCH 2020
- NDIS SERVICES AMENDMENT LETTER: 26 MARCH 2020
- UNITINGSA HOUSING TENANT LETTER: 25 MARCH 2020
NDIS Clients:
In response to COVID-19, UnitingSA has temporarily suspended some supports, such as group and centre-based activities. In line with the current precautions to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 and to protect the health and wellbeing of those we support, UnitingSA is currently using technology instead of face to face visits when providing many supports.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has also announced temporary, short-term changes to how NDIS supports will be provided due to the impact of COVID-19. The changes are reflected in this version of the UnitingSA NDIS Price Guide, which came into effect on 25 March 2020.
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UnitingSA Contractors and Suppliers
In order to reduce the risk to the UnitingSA community, we ask that all contractors and suppliers do not visit a UnitingSA site if they are experiencing any government-endorsed risk factors associated with COVID-19. We are also introducing a new temporary screening process for all contractors and suppliers to complete on arrival at site, and prior to commencing any maintenance work or deliveries etc.
To limit the risk of COVID-19 exposure, UnitingSA will also be putting an immediate halt on works deemed to be ‘non-essential’.
These measures are a direct response to advice issued by the Federal Government and will significantly aid our ability to ensure the health and safety of the people we work with.
Please follow the link below, to view the latest communication issued to UnitingSA contractors and suppliers:
Aged Care safety measures
To ensure the health and wellbeing of all residents, our aged care visitor program includes safety measures in line with the latest government advice.
This means:
- Visits should occur between 8am and 8pm daily with after-hours access via the entrance door bell.
- Bookings and time limits for visits no longer apply and residents are not restricted in the number of visits or visitors they receive per day.
- All visitors, including those entering after-hours, must undergo COVID-19 screening upon arrival (including a questionnaire, temperature check and provision of flu vaccination evidence).
- All visitors must practice hand hygiene upon entry and exit and observe social distancing (1.5 metres).
- All resident bedrooms and communal areas are subject to a room capacity limit (1 person per 2 square meters).
To prevent delays in visitors seeing their loved ones, due to rooms being at capacity, we encourage family and friends to coordinate visits as best they can with one another.
Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions, please contact your home’s Director of Nursing.
To find out about the State government’s current Aged Care response and restrictions, please visit the SA Health website.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) campaign resources
The Federal Government has launched a national campaign to inform all Australians about the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The campaign aims to reduce the risk to individuals and families by enabling them to make informed decisions and to take up health recommendations.
More information and tips to help you be prepared are available at the Department of Health website.
Information and resources
Please find below further information and resources relating to the coronavirus:
- South Australian Coronavirus Information Line:
1800 253 787 (7 days, 9am-5pm) or visit covid-19.sa.gov.au - Local updates and information: covid-19.sa.gov.au
- SA Health: sahealth.sa.gov.au
- Check your symptoms: healthdirect.gov.au
- National updates: health.gov.au
- The latest travel advice: smartraveller.gov.au
- Australian Government Coronavirus App
- COVID-Safe App
- COVID-19 Relief Call Centre:
1300 705 336 (7 days, 8am-8pm) or housingrelief@sa.gov.au, for personal hardship assistance, food relief and short-term accommodation advice. - Domestic Violence Crisis Line (Women’s Safety Services SA):
1800 800 098 - SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line:
1800 632 753 or chat online (7 days, 8am-8pm) - Red Cross Telecross REDI service:
1800 188 787 for a free daily phone call checking on the welfare of vulnerable people. - Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line:
1800 171 866 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-6pm AEDT) - NDIS Call Centre referral line for NDIS participants:
1800 800 110 for COVID-related queries - Disability Information Helpline:
1800 643 787 (Mon-Friday, 8am-8pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-7pm AEST) COVID-19 assistance for people with disability and their families, carers and support workers.
Supporting your wellbeing
As the nation’s journey through COVID-19 continues and its far-reaching implications continue to unfold in our community, it’s normal for people to experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions.
If you notice a change in the way that you, or others around you, are thinking or feeling, there are things that you can do to maintain positive mental health:
- Maintain your normal daily routine
- Connect with family and friends and other supports in your community, using technology if needed
- Look after yourself through exercise, regular nutritious meals and a good night’s sleep
- Ensure you have some time out to relax and unwind and do activities that you enjoy
- Talk with your doctor or a counsellor if needed
Free and confidential support is also available for UnitingSA staff through our Employee Assistance Program with Human Psychology on 1300 277 924, or with UnitingSA’s Minister Dr Les Underwood on 0438 927 224.
Telephone and online-based support
A number of other telephone and online-based support is also available:
- Beyond Blue: Information and support for all Australians, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
P: 1300 224 636
W: www.beyondblue.org.au - Lifeline Australia: 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for all Australians.
P: 13 11 14
W: www.lifeline.org.au - Regional Access Program (country areas): For people 15 years and over living or working in regional South Australia. available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
P: 1300 032 186
W: www.saregionalaccess.org.au - Lived Experience Telephone Support Service (LETSS): A peer mental health support line available from 5:00pm to 11:30pm, 365 days a year.
P: 1800 013 755
W: www.letss.org.au - eheadspace: For young people aged 12 to 25 years and their family and friends.
P: 1800 650 890
W: www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace - Mental Health Triage: For people experiencing significant mental health impacts or those who need more immediate support. available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
P: 13 14 65 - Disability Information Helpline: For people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Also available for their families, carers, support workers and services, too. Available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (AEST) and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm (AEST). Not available on national public holidays.
P: 1800 643 787
