1st September 2022
Greetings, Family and Friends – Bumper edition with New Protocols
Some good news for Saturday as another 10 Lodge residents will come out of isolation if they no longer have symptoms. I can now report that we have a total of 36 residents with Covid in the Lodge and 1 in the Manor. We are continuing a cycle of PCR testing for the Lodge, every 3 days with Jacaranda undergoing their day 9 tests today. All Nobbys residents have had a precautionary PCR today given the positive resident resides in Nobbys. Residents with the closest contact are in precautionary isolation until results are available. At the time of writing their results are pending. The designated primary contact will be notified of a positive result as soon as we become aware, so no need to ring and enquire.
All unnecessary movement around the lodge is discouraged as it is advisable that non -Covid residents remain in their rooms as much as possible. Exercise remains very important however it must be accomplished safely and preferably outside in fresh air and sunshine wherever possible. Opening bedroom windows now that Spring is upon us will be beneficial.
I am pleased to report that all residents with Covid are stable, and most are improving.
Today we hosted 2 Clinical First Responders provided by the Commonwealth Department of Health to support our Infection Prevention measures. Whilst they were very impressed with our processes and staff attitudes, they were able to make some recommendations for consideration, which is why you will note some changes to visiting protocols.
The very strong message for us as a community generally is the reminder that Covid is an airborne disease and therefore we must do everything possible to protect ourselves and our residents from airborne transmission.
Visiting arrangements are different for the Lodge and Manor so please familiarise yourself with these new requirements as they start Friday. Please assess your own risk when deciding to visit Maroba as Covid is putting everyone at risk and we can never assume we are Covid free.
The Manor is still considered at risk given that we have 1 positive staff case and several close contacts. All Manor residents will continue to face some restrictions on movement and cessation of joint suburb activities. The entry and exit doors are now open to each suburb except Nobbys, so residents can continue to enjoy a walk to the communal areas and get a coffee, they just can’t join group activities with residents from other areas. All visiting will be by appointment to ensure we have a record of who visits each resident and that it is kept to 2 people except for Nobbys where 1 only can attend until we get all PCR tests back. Please decide within your family who those visitors will be. Visiting remains weekdays only and is restricted as per instructions outlined.
For the Manor, we have the following requirements:
1) Visitors will be required to wear a Surgical Mask, always covering the mouth and Nose. Eye protection is highly recommended, and both your mask and eye protection must be applied before you even enter the front doors. 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 adults may visit between the hours of 10am and 4:30pm on weekdays. Appointments necessary until further notice. There are no weekend visits at this stage, (unless by prior arrangement and as per Father’s day options outlined on page 4.)
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 and access a PCR test as soon as possible.
4) RAT testing will be outside the building from now on to further reduce the risk of Covid positive visitors entering the building. Therefore, come prepared for all weather conditions or better still pre-test before attending Maroba. Bring a photo of your test taken on the day of your visit, showing the date and time. Never carry it loose in your pocket or handbag as it is contaminated. If you don’t have a smart phone, then seal your RAT test in a clip lock bag.
4) Outside visiting is on hold during this current outbreak as movement is restricted around the facility. However, a person visiting a Non Covid resident in the Manor, may wish to take the resident for some fresh air for the duration of that visit, please check with staff that it’s Ok on that occasion.
5) Residents will not be able to attend any external excursions, during this current outbreak. If there is an urgent medical appointment required, please discuss with Linda Winn via reception. Likewise, if you have a particular matter you wish to discuss please make contact via reception – office hours only.
6) 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.
7) If you have been overseas and would like to visit, I recommend (Not a Health order) you wait a few days to ensure you haven’t inadvertently been infected in transit, then ensure you undertake the testing requirements etc expected of all other visitors.
When you visit the Lodge, you will see all staff in that area working in full Tier 3 PPE as an extra precautionary measure. As the outbreak continues it is necessary to maintain restrictions on movement of all Lodge residents and visitors.
- Bluegum and Jacaranda Residents will not be able to attend any external excursions. If there is an urgent medical appointment required, please discuss with Linda Winn via reception.
- Visiting will continue in the resident’s room however visitors are required to wear PPE including a gown, N95 mask (available at the entry to the lodge) and your own protective eyewear. Attend hand hygiene frequently and social distancing must be maintained.
- Visitor Numbers will be restricted to 1 visitor on any one day and by appointment through reception until further notice. Visits are to be kept to 30 min at this time other than Partners in Care and palliative support. There is to be no gathering or moving around the facility at all during any category of visit. Do NOT remove your mask.
- Movement across the facility to mingle with residents from other areas is not appropriate as it places other residents at risk. The fire doors at the entrance of each suburb are closed to inhibit free movement and as a reminder of the restrictions.
- All Bluegum and Jacaranda residents who have not yet been confirmed with Covid may move about their suburb and outdoors remembering to ask for assistance if needed. However, it is advised by the Public Health Unit that residents stay in their rooms as much as possible and avoid close contact with other residents at this time. Remember don’t meet up with residents from any other areas/ suburbs while outside.
- Activity and exercise programs are planned on a 1:1 basis in the confines of the suburb or in the resident’s room.
- The 36 residents with Covid can get some exercise and or 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 visitation, however families must assess their personal risk and be prepared to wear full Tier 3 PPE for a max of 30 min visits. This includes gown, N95 mask, gloves, your own personal eyewear, and a face shield (provided at the entrance to the lodge)
- 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 and access a PCR test as soon as possible.
RAT testing will be outside the building as outlined for the Manor.
- The Family Liaison Team are contacting families directly to give a daily update for Covid positive residents, however those that are recovered but not yet out of isolation are not requiring a call unless their condition deteriorates. However, if there is a deterioration in the residents condition the Registered Nurse will contact family directly as a change occurs.
Please avoid phoning the Registered Nurse for general enquiries as they are very focused on delivering direct care and support. If you have specific questions the Family Liaison team will be very pleased to take them on notice and get back to you. We do appreciate your patience and understanding.
Be assured we are continuing with twice weekly RAT testing on all consenting residents in the Manor 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 8 positive staff members and others unwell with general cold and flu symptoms. I can report that our rostering capabilities are being challenged, so you will see more staff working double shifts and agency staff amongst us. Regardless the team are doing a mighty job to fill any vacant shifts that arise and are endeavouring to book over establishment ahead of time during this outbreak. We have remained in contact with the authorities to access the Surge workforce, regular staffing Agencies, which have made a difference at this time.
Family members who are nominated Partners in 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. The PPE arrangements do apply to all categories of visitors as laid out for each area and for Covid positive residents.
Father’s Day is looming, and we remain cautious about planning. The Gentlemen residing with us who do not have Covid, are able to have up to 2 visitors in one 30-minute visit by appointment on Sunday 4/09/22. The time frame for visiting will be limited. Unfortunately, the gentlemen who continue in Isolation due to Covid will only be able to have 1 visitor for 30 minutes as per current visiting arrangements. Stay tuned for news closer to the event, as last-minute changes may be necessary if there is a sudden escalation.
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
We appreciate your patience and co-operation in keeping the Maroba Community as safe as possible during this outbreak. If you require additional information, please call reception 49350300 during office hours or email enquiries@maroba.com.au.
In the meantime, rest up if you aren’t well or still recovering as we know that fatigue and tiredness are some of the lingering effects of Covid. We wish all our Covid positive residents a speedy recovery.
We will keep you posted when todays PCR testing results come in!
Yours sincerely,
Viv Allanson – CEO