We are pleased to advise there have been no new COVID-19 cases at Seaton Aged Care since our update yesterday (Wednesday, 23 March 2022).

The remaining resident PCR test results received overnight were both negative, which is a great outcome, and it is reassuring that all COVID-positive residents in our care are only experiencing mild symptoms.

It is also pleasing to note that three of our staff members who tested positive last week have since recovered and been cleared to return to work.

While we remain cautious, there are signs we may have passed the COVID-19 peak at Seaton Aged Care and we are hopeful the situation will continue to stabilise over the coming days.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE SUPPORT

We are now in our second day of having 10 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel onsite, including nurses and support workers.

UnitingSA invited the ADF to Seaton Aged Care as part of an Australian Government program offering COVID-19 surge workforces to Aged Care homes impacted by outbreaks.

The additional assistance with clinical care, meal deliveries and resident wellbeing checks has certainly provided a welcome boost to our team’s efforts.

It has been particularly well received by our residents, who are enjoying the extra one-on-one companionship the ADF personnel are able to provide them at this time.

OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT PLAN

Our Phase 3 Outbreak Management Plan remains in place, which means our home is closed to visitors, staff are wearing full Personal Protective Equipment and COVID-positive residents are zoned to a particular area.

Staff are undertaking Rapid Antigen Testing at the beginning of each shift, and residents continue to undergo regular PCR testing, with the next round taking place today.

There will be some exceptional circumstances, such as end-of-life care, where families will be supported to visit their loved on an individual basis.

Finally, we wish to thank the entire Seaton Aged Care community for the way you have come together to support the health and wellbeing of everyone in our care during this unprecedented time.

It has been heartening to see the incredible efforts of our staff, the resilience of our residents, and the patience and understanding of our families and friends.

We will provide a further update tomorrow, however in the meantime if you have any questions please speak with a member of your care team. Contact details for all of our Residential Aged Care homes can be found on our contact page.