24th August 2022
Greetings, Family and Friends
As you know Jacaranda is now in Outbreak and unfortunately yesterday’s PCR tests have returned with the news that 2 more residents have tested positive. All Covid positive residents are now in room isolation and have been commenced on Antiviral treatment. As off today when you visit Jacaranda you will see all staff in that area working in full PPE as an extra precautionary measure. I can report that all residents in Bluegum are also being tested this afternoon as per advice from the Public Health Unit. Whilst we await results it is necessary to place some restriction on movement of Bluegum residents as well as Jacaranda residents.
- Bluegum and Jacaranda Residents will not be able to attend external excursions other than medical appointments.
- Visiting will continue in the resident’s room maintaining mask wearing, hand hygiene and social distancing. Visitor Numbers will be restricted to 2 visitors in any one day. There is to be no gathering or moving around the facility at all during any category of visit.
- Movement across the facility to mingle with residents from other areas is not appropriate as it places other residents at risk.
- All Bluegum and Jacaranda residents who have not yet been confirmed with Covid can move freely about their suburb and outdoors remembering to ask for assistance if needed. Remember don’t meet up with residents from any other areas/ suburbs while outside.
- Activity and exercise programs will continue in the confines of the suburb so that no one misses out on their favourite programs.
- The 4 residents with Covid can get some exercise and sunshine outside if they feel up to it, with staff assistance to ensure isolation from other residents is maintained.
- Covid positive residents may have limited visitors, however families must assess their personal risk and be prepared to wear full PPE for a max of 30 min visits.
- The family Liaison Team continues to follow up daily with a designated family member each day for an update. However, if there is a deterioration in the residents condition the Reg Nurse will contact family directly as a change occurs.
For the Manor, we have the following requirements:
1) Visitors will be required to wear a Surgical Mask always covering the mouth and Nose. This means NO eating or drinking during your visit. There is to be no gathering or moving around the facility at all during any category of visit. This includes Partners in care and palliative support visits.
2) Two Vaccinated adults may visit with a child 2 years and under within the resident’s room between 10am and 4:30pm on weekdays. No appointment necessary. There are no weekend visits at this time however we will assess again once we are seeing the local Covid cases significantly decrease.
3) The entry screening requirements are evidence of a Negative RAT and check in using Coolguard in the Manor reception. If you have recently had Covid please bring your medical evidence for RAT exemption. If you are showing any signs or symptoms, please do not visit Maroba until you are well.
4) Outside visiting for up to 2 Vaccinated adults and 3 children. Children aged 12 and over must have received 2 Covid vaccinations. A surgical Mask must be worn throughout the visit and all attending including children, must be checked in using Coolguard in the Manor reception. Appointments required for all outside visits. Ph. 49350300
5) The requirement for evidence of a Negative RAT continues if you are taking a resident out. It is highly recommended that other family attending a gathering with a Maroba resident to also undertake a RAT. A record of who attends such a gathering should be kept by the host in the event of a positive case emerging. If you have a negative RAT test but still don’t feel 100%, please delay your visit or outing
6) Register your intention to leave the facility using the online Excursion form at least 48 (business hours) before the outing. All residents not in Jacaranda, can leave the facility. whilst following Covid safe measures and remember the person completing the form is fully responsible for the safety of the resident whilst away from the facility.
7) Remember you must observe the green tick on Coolguard before proceeding. Check with a staff member if you have any issues with the Coolguard check-in. Also, double check that the correct name has come up to ensure a valid check in so that if contact tracing is required, we are on the front foot not running behind. Please note it is critical that you advise us immediately if you are diagnosed with Covid or receive an alert that you checked in at Maroba at the same time as a Covid positive case, as this allows us to efficiently do inhouse contact tracing to identify any risks to the organisation.
8) If you have been overseas and would like to visit, I recommend (Not a Health order) you wait a couple days to ensure you haven’t inadvertently been infected in transit, then ensure you undertake the testing requirements etc expected of all other visitors.
Be assured we are continuing with twice weekly RAT testing on all consenting residents and additional testing for any resident exhibiting symptoms or sudden deterioration. Staff also continue with RAT testing before the commencement of every shift, which is identifying new cases before entering the building. At present we have 2 positive staff members this week as all other staff have recovered. The 2 new staff cases have not been at work during their infectious period. We are pleased with our rostering capabilities to date, though it is quite tight some days, as the team are doing a mighty job to fill any vacant shifts that arise.
Family members who would normally provide care for their loved one or those supporting a palliating resident continue their caring and support roles throughout the facility and we welcome their efforts.
I know you will all be wondering about Father’s Day, so I am pleased to report that if local numbers continue to go down, we will welcome 2 visitors for inside visits by appointment only for Male residents between 10am and 3pm on Sunday 4th Sept. If you would like to have other family members join you then please book an outside visit and ensure all participants maintain mask wearing, hand hygiene and social distance as much as possible. Check in requirements will be expected as per weekday arrangements.
If you have concerns with our approach you are invited to call us to discuss or if you prefer 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
Although this current wave is clearly diminishing locally and nationally, we do ask you to remain vigilant with your hand hygiene, social distancing and please avoid coming to Maroba if you have any symptoms.
We appreciate your support and assistance in keeping the Maroba Community safe and well. If you require additional information, please call reception 49350300 during office hours or email enquiries@maroba.com.au.
Enjoy the start of some warmer weather and stay alert and vigilant !
Yours sincerely,
Viv Allanson – CEO