8th September 2022
Greetings, Family and Friends
Sadly our WW2 veteran, Alf Carpenter who had fought in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific passed away peacefully yesterday at the aged of 105 years and 5 months. Alf fought in the Battle of Crete as a Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion. Recently, the Cretan Association awarded Alf with honorary life membership “on behalf of the Greek Australian community and the Cretan people for his service in the Battle of Crete and Greek Campaign in 1941.” He was also presented with a sariki which is significant as it is worn to remember the tears and mourning of war. Alf departed Maroba wearing this sarki in remembrance of all who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Alf continued to attend RSL meetings and 2/4th Battalion meeting up until last month at the Merewether RSL Club. Our Local Legend is an avid swimmer, and he credited his longevity to swimming in the cold ocean and the camaraderie of his swimming club – The Mackerels. He will be sadly missed by many, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends. (Tribute by Linda Winn)
On another note I can report the good news that 10 more residents in the Lodge came out of Isolation yesterday. PCR testing was carried out yesterday in Jacaranda and Nobbys and the results ….. Now we have 11 active covid case remaining across the site. We are continuing a cycle of PCR testing for the Lodge and Manor every 3 days. The designated primary contact will be notified by a Reg Nurse of a positive result as soon as we become aware, so no need to ring.
All unnecessary movement around the Lodge and Manor is discouraged as it is advisable that non-Covid residents remain in their rooms as much as possible to minimise the spread of the virus. Every new case adds 10 more days of isolation and or restrictions for residents in that suburb/wing. Exercise remains very important however it must be accomplished safely and preferably outside in fresh air wherever possible or in a corridor accompanied by staff to avoid close contacts.
Visiting arrangements are different for the Lodge and Manor so please familiarise yourself with these new requirements. 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. Please review Update #137 for all visiting arrangements.
All visiting will be by appointment to ensure we have a record of who visits each resident and that it is kept to 1 person except for Waratah and Honeysuckle where 2 can attend until we are satisfied that there is very limited risk of further escalation. Please decide within your family who those visitors will be. Visiting remains weekdays only and is restricted as outlined due to the high risk of transmission within the Covid affected areas. It is not an appropriate time to bring Children into these areas.
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 a team member to get back to you. We do appreciate your patience and understanding.
At present we have 5 positive staff members and others unwell with general cold and flu symptoms. We have remained in contact with the authorities to access the Surge workforce, regular staffing Agencies, which have made a difference at this time as we have rostered well over establishment each day. On Saturday 10/09/22 you will see Australian Defence Force personnel on a 5-day assignment here at Maroba. The Commonwealth Government has offered additional support, which we welcome.
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.
If you have concerns with our approach, please call us to discuss or if you prefer 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.
Given there is another escalation of cases state wide ,vigilance is vital. Please review your own vaccination status and more importantly consider signing the necessary Covid vaccination consent form for your loved one as we still have a long way to go. I am very confident that the combination of Vaccinations and Anti-viral treatments have been a game changer for Maroba residents in reducing the severity of the disease. However, with 80% of residents with 4 vaccines we still have a gap to close. Please make it a priority to act on this opportunity.
We will keep you posted when more news comes to hand!
Yours sincerely,
Viv Allanson – CEO