Information correct as of 23 June 2020.

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.

• Aged care COVID-19 restrictions eased (23 June 2020)
• Update to the COVID-19 State Emergency Management Direction (10 June 2020)
• Current aged care visitor program maintained (2 June 2020)
• Aged care visitors welcomed from Monday 4 May 2020 (29 April 2020)
• Aged care visitor restrictions update (24 April 2020)
• COVID-19 residential aged care visitor update (17 April 2020)
• Aged care visitor restrictions extended (2 April 2020)
• FAQ for aged care family and friends (31 March 2020)
• Message from the CEO regarding service changes in response to COVID-19 (26 March 2020)

• Our staff are skilled in infection control and the use of PPE if required.
• Strict hygiene practices are used and all sites require visitor screening to be completed prior to entry.
• All UnitingSA aged care homes have restricted visitor access to keep our residents and team safe.
• All group programs have been cancelled in line with SA Health’s social distancing guidelines. 
• All residential aged care staff undertake temperature checks at the beginning of their shift.

COVID-19 Care Campaign

Whether it’s someone who’s lost their job, struggling to keep a roof over their head or pay their bills and buy food, help us support those who need it most – not only now but in the aftermath of COVID-19.

We are seeking urgent monetary donations, of as little as $2, to purchase items of critical need, including vouchers for food, personal hygiene products, warm clothing and bedding.

If you are able to, please donate to our campaign today. With your support, we can help South Australians affected by COVID-19 get back on their feet and flourish.

On Saturday 20 June, the SA Government released revised COVID-19 restrictions for the state’s Residential Aged Care facilities, which provide further allowances for residents and visitors. 

The government’s updated Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities) Direction No 6, 2020 relaxes some restrictions regarding cross-border travel, visits by children and the ability for residents to leave a facility.

The changes came into effect across UnitingSA’s aged care homes on Wednesday 24 June 2020 and include:

• Residents may leave an aged care facility and return for any reason.
• Children under the age of 16 years are able to visit, provided that they have had their flu vaccination (babies under six months are exempt from vaccination).
• Visitors coming from the NT, WA, Tasmania or QLD are permitted to visit an aged care facility upon arrival in SA.
• Visitors coming from other states/territories are only permitted to visit within 14 days on agreed compassionate grounds (to be negotiated with the Director of Nursing).

Our updated visitor program also incorporates the following general guidelines:

• Visits must be pre-booked ahead of time by phoning your aged care home.
• Visits should occur during the hours of 10am and 4pm daily, and within the allocated two-hour timeframe.
• All visitors must undergo COVID-­19 screening on entry, including a questionnaire, temperature check and provision of flu vaccination evidence and photo identification.
• Visits should occur in your loved one’s room or other specified indoor or outdoor area (if available).
• Visitors must practice hand hygiene upon entry and maintain a distance of 1.5 metres at all times.
• Residents are permitted a maximum of one visit, of up to two people, per day.

Additionally, anyone with flu-like symptoms or who has had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter.

For more information about our visitor program, please refer to the Visitor Guidelines Fact Sheet.

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