24 July 2024
Dear Residents, Family and Friends,
Greetings to all, especially the 9 new residents and families who have joined us since our last update. I do hope you are getting to make new friends and enjoy all that Maroba has to offer.
I have just returned from a delightful holiday in Tassie and very happy to share some Tassie Tips with you if you are planning such a Holiday. I have to add a caution: the food is so delicious you may return home with a Tassie Tummy!!! I am very happy to be back in time for our 70th Anniversary celebrations next week …I hope to see you there.
I am able to report that the Covid outbreak that started on 29th May in the Manor ultimately impacted 45 residents across both facilities and 28 staff (Including me) with the outbreak being declared complete on 30/06/24. Most residents were offered and tolerated the new regime of Antiviral medication and no serious incapacity due to Covid was experienced. The new regime of 5 days isolation applied to most residents which seemed to make a big difference to their recovery. We maintained “in suburb” activities and exercise programs to ensure no one missed out.
Since the outbreak we have had 7 staff test positive through July and a couple of residents experiencing symptoms, but no positive tests returned for respiratory infections. So right now, all is well at Maroba. Thank you to everyone who co-operated with the ongoing protocols …we couldn’t get through these challenges without your support!
It is important that we maintain surgical Mask wearing and RAT regime for all visitors until further notice.
Across the region Covid cases have significantly declined along with other respiratory infections at moderate levels but slowly declining. The school holidays have had a negative impact on the numbers across the state. Therefore, we urge you DO NOT visit if you are even slightly unwell, as a negative RAT is no guarantee you do not have an infectious respiratory disease. Stay home and seek medical advice rather than press on with a visit. Please be cautious if you have returned from holidays or have attended large public events. Please remember to maintain good hand hygiene and social distancing practices. If in doubt stay home.
There will be random RAT checking after hours and you will do well to offer your RAT for checking at reception during office hours. Let’s work on the speed of TRUST and not try to enter without a fresh test. Your loved ones are the ones to suffer …you get to go home and won’t even have to isolate but it’s different for communal living, everyone pays a high price.
Current COVID 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. This may escalate if other areas are impacted. Resident activities are now available for participation across the site..
For Visitors
- All visitors must undertake a RAT before visiting Maroba, even if you visit daily. 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 longer any 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 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.
- 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. Please let us know so we can assess the risk.
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.
- All staff, volunteers, students and Agency Staff must wear a N95 mask whilst in the facilities.
- Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff, and Students will continue to check in using our CoolGard 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.
It’s great to be back and to be amongst you all again…it does my heart good, so thank you, for the warm welcome I have received!
Kindest regards
Viv Allanson OAM
CEO Maroba