Since initially advising of COVID-19 cases at Drysdale Grove we have had more resident’s test positive to COVID-19. Majority of the residents are doing well with minor to no symptoms.

 

The outbreak management plan continues to remain in place. This involves but is not limited to increased screening throughout the home, continued Rapid antigen testing with all staff prior to commencement of work, increased PPE requirements for both staff and visitors and temporary changes to dinning location. As well as regular contact with the Department of Health and Public Health Unit.

 

The Department of Health have advised the following Visitor Entry Requirements:

• There are no limits on visitor numbers.
• All visitors to RACFs should have a negative result from a COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken on the same day that they attend the care facility. The rapid antigen test is completed prior to entry to our homes. All rapid antigen tests must be shown to the nurse in charge or administration staff prior to entry into the home. If there is no one on reception please ring the doorbell or ask for assistance.
• All visitors must wear a face covering provided by the home for the duration of your visit.
• Anyone who has COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 or is a close contact of someone with COVID 19 should not visit Residential Aged Care Facilities
• All visitors must sign in via Zipline prior to entry into the home.
• If you are unwell please stay at home.
• Visits to occur in residents rooms or outdoors rather than communal areas.
• Indoor visits to occur in well ventilated areas with open windows and doors to provide well natural ventilation.
• All visitors to complete hand hygiene and wear masks properly.
• Practice social distancing where possible and appropriate.

Ways to stay safe include:

• Staying up to date with vaccinations
• Wearing a mask when away from home in indoor public places or in crowded settings
• Stay home if you have respiratory symptoms to reduce the risk of infecting others
• If you tested positive for COVID-19 or are feeling unwell, you should stay at home until the symptoms have passed and if you must leave home wear a mask and avoid going to any high-risk settings like aged care facilities
• People at risk of more severe illness should talk to their GP now about eligibility for oral antiviral treatments should they get COVID-19.

COVID-19 Aged Care Grief and Trauma Support Services
Services are available to provide grief and trauma support for those living, working and caring in the aged care sector, who have been impacted by COVID-19.
These FREE services are available for residents in aged care, home care recipients, families and representatives of senior Australians, aged care staff and aged care organisations.
For further information on these services can be found on The Department of Health website via the following link COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services | Australian Government Department of Health.

Please do not hesitate to contact should you have any questions. Once again we thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our community safe.