Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for our community

Measures we’re taking

We will transition to essential face-to-face services only until further notice
All office-based staff will work from home wherever possible
Only sites delivering critical essential support will remain open to the public. This includes our Homelessness Services (124 Lipson St, Port Adelaide SA 5015) and Emergency Relief centre (58 Dale St, Port Adelaide).
Our Community Services (i.e. mental health and disability) and Community Aged Care programs will only deliver essential outreach and in-home support including medication management, food provision, personal care and clinical interventions
Supported employment, delivered through Wesley Social Enterprises, will be temporarily suspended
Non-essential support services will be delivered over the phone and via video call technology wherever possible

Latest updates

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 below.

Our response to COVID-19

Please see tailored information specific to different members of our UnitingSA community.

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:
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:
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:
- FACT SHEET FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENTS
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.
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.
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:
- CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS LETTER: 19 MARCH 2020

Aged Care restrictions

Due to new COVID-19 cases emerging in our community, UnitingSA’s COVID-19 Response Team has re-activated visitor restrictions across our aged care homes from 10am Friday 27 November.

This means:

All visits are temporarily suspended (except for agreed end-of-life visits)
All resident outings are temporarily suspended (except for health emergencies)

We will review these restrictions on Tuesday 1 December 2020, with the hope of re-opening to visitors as early as Wednesday 2 December 2020 if no further risks are identified.

We take this necessary course of action with the wellbeing of our residents at the forefront of our minds.

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.

The following communication material provides more information and tips to help you be prepared.

Coronavirus – print ads – Good hygiene is in your hands

Coronavirus – Print ads – Simple steps to stop the spread

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

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for our community

Measures we’re taking

Latest updates

Our response to COVID-19

UnitingSA Aged Care Families and Visitors

UnitingSA Community Services Clients

NDIS Clients:

UnitingSA Contractors and Suppliers