1 December 2023
Dear Residents, Family and Friends,
Great news , our Covid positive resident has recovered well since completing their isolation period. However as anticipated we do have several other Respiratory Viruses circulating requiring in room isolation along with 1 case of Shingles. Whilst we do not fall into the category of an outbreak we are taking all necessary precautions to limited cross contamination within suburbs and the facility. Please be aware that there are many Aged Care facilities facing major outbreaks and there are at least 6 deaths a day in agedcare alone, so maintaining Vaccination rates ,Masks, Hand Hygiene and Social Distancing where possible is working well for the Maroba community. Let’s all work together to maintain our best practice to save lives and allow for a happy Christmas season.
It is still vital that if you or a family member are unwell, that you test and report any cases of Covid and other infectious respiratory diseases to us. Please don’t visit if unwell or Covid Positive or if you have been in contact with a Covid positive person in the last seven days.
Current guidelines at Maroba:
For Residents
- Residents only undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) when they are symptomatic. And if there has been an exposure to a Covid positive person.
For Visitors
- Wearing surgical masks is now a requirement for visitors;
- For those visiting daily, we kindly request RAT testing every 48 hours. If you visit less frequently, please RAT test before each visit. Keep a photo of your RAT test on your phone as proof if required. Free RAT kits are available at our reception, please feel free to take some home to test before your visit.
- No longer any restrictions on the number of visitors. You are welcome to use common areas, we advise not taking your mask off to consume refreshments.
- There are no visiting hours however for the safety of our residents the doors are locked from sunrise until sunset. During these times visitors access is by pressing the call button at the entrance, so a staff member is aware of your arrival and can let you in. Dinner commences around 5.00pm and after dinner residents are usually settling in for the night. Arrangements can be made with staff if you are taking your loved one out during these hours to have easy access on your return.
- Check in using the Cool Gard System is no longer mandatory but please show your RAT photo to reception.
For Staff, Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff & Students
- Masks are essential and surgical masks will be available at the front door of the Manor
- Our staff, volunteers, and students will RAT test before returning to Maroba after days off and again mid roster or when symptomatic. Contractors and Agency Staff will continue to RAT test each time before coming onsite at Maroba.
- Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff, and Students will continue to check in using our CoolGard System.
Vaccination Alert: Given Shingles is lurking in the community we are currently working with our GPs and Pharmacist to establish which residents would be most suited to avail themselves of the FREE Shingles vaccine. Those Residents or their representative will be contacted by Maroba staff to arrange consent before a Clinic can be arranged. Shingles is a very painful Viral Infection and potentially very debilitating with long lasting effects. Prevention is by far better than the cure.
If you have concerns with our approach, please call us to discuss. Alternatively, you can contact:
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600
- The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822
- Senior Rights Service 1800 424 079
For additional information, please contact reception at 4935 0300 during office hours or email us at enquiries@maroba.om.au.
Viv Allanson – OAM
CEO