COVID-19
Response

As the COVID-19 situation continues, we would like to assure you that the health and wellbeing of our residents, clients, colleagues and communities remains our absolute priority. To find out about how we are responding as an organisation, please stay up to date with our latest news as well as information below.

Our response to COVID-19

Please find below tailored communication specific to the different members of our UnitingSA community.

UnitingSA Aged Care Families and Visitors
Residential Aged Care

Please read the below information if you are a resident, or a loved one of a resident living in one of our Residential Aged Care communities:
Community Home Care

This information applies to UnitingSA’s Home Care and Ethnic Link Services clients and their families:
Retirement Living

Please read the following information if you are a resident, or a loved one of a resident living in one of our Retirement Living communities:
- FACT SHEET FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENTS: DECEMBER 2020
- FACT SHEET FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENTS: APRIL 2020
UnitingSA Community Services Clients
In order to reduce the risk to our colleagues, clients and families, we have introduced a 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 routine screening process will determine whether we are able to safely provide you with face-to-face services. 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, please contact your GP. As always, if you are in urgent need of medical attention please call 000.
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 risk factors associated with COVID-19. We have also introduced screening process for all contractors and suppliers to complete on arrival at site, and prior to commencing any maintenance work or deliveries etc.

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 visitor 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.
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 (3 persons per 4 square meters – or 75%).
Evidence of an up-to-date influenza (flu) vaccination must be presented

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.

Education resources

The Federal Government launched a national campaign to inform all Australians about 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 COVID-19, as well as avenues for support:

South Australian COVID-19 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 COVID-19 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.

COVID-19 Response

Our response to COVID-19

UnitingSA Aged Care Families and Visitors

UnitingSA Community Services Clients

UnitingSA Contractors and Suppliers

Aged Care visitor measures

Education resources

Information and resources

Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something.

COVID-19
Response