30th April 2025
Dear Residents, Family and Friends,
This is a great opportunity to welcome new residents and families to our Maroba Community. We hope you enjoy all of our offerings and get to know your fellow residents, experience tells us it will make all the difference to your time living in community. Our supportive team will be happy to help you navigate your way, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or just ask a question. Of course, if things aren’t going the way you anticipated speak up to the Registered Nurse and they will be keen to do all they can to make your journey a smooth one. Remember we don’t know you as well as your family does, so it is a time of discovery for each of us. The more we know and understand the smoother the transition into our care.
It is that time of year where there is a national call to get Vaccinated against Influenza / Covid and where possible as many infectious illnesses as possible. Maroba is on the front foot on your behalf to get consent forms completed and dates set for our various Vaccination clinics.
Fortunately, with our RAT testing regime for staff and visitors we are keeping on top of early detection which helps in mitigating the spread of Covid to our residents. Whilst the detection has been minimal at Maroba in the past few months, it is not the case Nationally. The great news is that our Vaccination programs have developed what the medical experts call “Herd Immunity” and we don’t want to take our foot off the pedal.
When a resident goes to hospital, they are at risk of returning to isolation due to contracting a respiratory illness whilst in Hospital care. Sadly, the general community vaccination rates are extremely low putting others at risk. We no longer have Community “Herd Immunity” which is why we are seeing an increase of communicable diseases on the rise again. I encourage everyone reading this update to consider getting all your vaccinations up to date. Speak with your GP or regular pharmacist and make time to get the job done!
Our multi-pronged approach works, so we remind everyone of the increased Respiratory Infections including Covid 19 circulating in the community and ask that we all remain vigilant and cautious over Flu and winter season. We ask that you do not visit if you are unwell or have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep testing before you visit and make sure you remind other family members of the requirement for RAT testing to visit Maroba. The option to wear a mask is something to think about if you wish to protect yourself in the event that you are Immunocompromised or the person you are visiting is immunosuppressed.
Current COVID guidelines at Maroba:
For Residents
- Residents undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) when they are symptomatic and if there has been an exposure to a Covid positive person or if there is high risk within our community. PCR testing is being carried out if the RAT is negative and the resident has ongoing symptoms. If an outbreak occurs, then all residents in that area will undergo testing for respiratory illness. Please know that if your family member tests positive, we will update you as soon as possible by phone.
For Visitors
- all regular visitors need only undertake a RAT test once a week unless you have been travelling, attending large events or have been exposed to any person with Covid or other Respiratory Infection. I suggest it be on your first visit of the week being Monday to Sunday. All other visitors who are not regularly visiting we ask that you undertake a RAT prior to every visit. RATs are available at Reception and at the front door.
- Please write the date of the test on the RAT cartridge before taking a photo or placing it in a secure clear bag. Keep a photo of your RAT test on your phone as proof and present it to reception or a staff member after hours. Free RAT kits are still available at our reception, please
feel free to take some home to test before your visit. Do not leave the kits in your car as they must be kept at a cool stable temperature to be effective.
- No restrictions on the number of visitors to Non Covid effected residents.
- There are no visiting hours however for the safety of our residents the doors are locked from sunset until sunrise. During these times visitor access is by pressing the call button at the entrance, so a staff member is aware of your arrival and can let you in…please be patient! 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.
For Staff, Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff & Students
- Our staff, volunteers, students and Agency Staff will continue to RAT test as per staff notices before coming onsite at Maroba.
- Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff, and Students will continue to check in using our new ‘Loop Safe’ Electronic Check in system.
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.
I hope everyone survived the severe weather we have recently experienced, it has been quite treacherous. In such events can I suggest you keep your fuel tank topped up (Power outage means no fuel) and stay well clear of flood waters, fallen trees and power lines. We always want to welcome you into Maroba safe and sound!
Warm Regards
Viv Allanson OAM – CEO Maroba