The virus continues to spread across communities within Australia and both Federal and State governments have introduced strict guidelines about self-isolation following return from overseas or following contact with anyone infected.  They have also cancelled mass gatherings.

The majority of people who have contracted the virus have made a full recovery; however more vulnerable people are at higher risk of being significantly impacted.  No Assisi residents or staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at this time.

The health and safety of residents is our first priority and we appreciate your support in the measures we are taking to make Assisi Aged Care the safest possible place for our residents to be.

VISITORS TO ASSISI AGED CARE – LOCKDOWN PERIOD

The health and safety of our residents must be the first priority for all of us and Assisi will enter into a lockdown period for two weeks, effective 6pm tomorrow (Thursday, 19^th March).  This is a proactive step to protect the health and safety of our residents and staff.

After this period, we will reassess the situation taking into account the best medical and public health advice available.

Unfortunately, this means no visitors during this period.

We understand that there will be some exceptional circumstances where visitors may need to visit their loved one (for example end of life care).

Visits for these exceptional circumstances should be organised with Santosh Kumari, our Director of Care.  Any visitors under these circumstances will be required to confirm that they:

• haven’t been overseas in the previous 14 days
• haven’t been in direct contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days and
• do not have a fever or symptoms or acute respiratory infection or symptoms.

 

LIFESTYLE EVENTS AND OUTINGS

We highly value these programs and regret that we have had to put some on hold for the time being.  However, we are acutely aware of the risk of social isolation under the current circumstances.  Based on our risk assessment, we have cancelled any activities involving visitors and outings. These include:

• visits by any groups, including schools and kindergartens
• visits by volunteers
• mass
• community events which bring groups from the local community into the facility
• external outings
• activities involving people who are not Assisi employees including performers and entertainers
• hairdressing, manicure where not delivered by Assisi employees
• all students including RMIT student consultations

Other lifestyle activities will be reviewed as required and will incorporate 1:1 and small groups.  Our Lifestyle team is making every effort to provide our residents with stimulating and enjoyable activities, including music, exercise and tombola.  Rosary will also continue during this period.

We also ask families to restrict taking your family member on short-term outings, for example to restaurants for lunch, during this period.

The measures announced today are in addition to the additional cleaning, staff training and restrictions on external visitors, such as non-essential contractors, that have been communicated previously.

We appreciate your support during this challenging time.

 

Assisi Management