10 October 2020 – UPDATE FROM THE ALEXANDER PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

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RE: Update from The Alexander Pandemic Preparedness Committee

Dear Residents, Staff, Families & Friends of The Alexander,

We are pleased to report we remain COVID-19 free! What amazing work our team has done to get to this stage. We appreciate every effort, from every staff member and resident, in every day of every week.

As we all keenly watch the case numbers reduce in the Melbourne Metro area, we are very eager to increase our visiting hours as we miss all our visitors greatly. That being said, as of Tuesday, the 20th October we will increase to 3 visiting days per week.
 

Visiting hours will remain within the Care Facilities Directions No. 13 (available on our website) with a maximum of 1 visitor per day. Visitors must not enter the facility if they:

  • are unwell with flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, or fever of 37.5 degrees or higher
  • have had known contact in the last 14 days with a person who was a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • arrived in Australia within the last 14 days
  • are under 16, unless they are visiting a resident who is receiving end-of-life care
 

Visiting hours as of next week will now be:

  • Tuesday the 20th October from 9.30am to 12.30pm
  • Wednesday the 21st October from 9.30am to 12.30pm
  • Thursday the 22nd October from 9.30am to 12.30pm
 

All visits are by appointment only at this stage because we need to ensure every visitor is screened and appropriate cleaning takes place between visitors. All visitors must complete a Visitor Declaration form before entering the home, always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whilst inside the building and maintain social distancing during the visit. Please contact jenny@thealexanderagedcare.com.au to make a booking or phone reception on 9548 7366.

The health care workers single site policy has been extended again until 30th November 2020. There has also been an announcement from the Commonwealth Department of Health of possible regular COVID testing for all residential Aged Care Workers in the Melbourne Metropolitan area & Mitchell Shires. We would welcome this testing and we are waiting to hear further details. We will update you on this initiative as soon as more information is released.

Emergency Leave for residents during the COVID-19 State of Emergency has been extended until June 2021. Please see following information regarding access to this option: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/09/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-permanent-aged-care-residents-emergency-leave_0.pdf Please contact Jim Saisanas or Vicki Liaskos on (03) 9548 7366 if you would like further information regarding this option.

Our Pandemic Preparedness Committee continues to meet regularly and adjust our Outbreak Management Plan and resources as information is received. If you have any questions regarding our COVID preparedness plan, please do not hesitate to contact jane@thealexanderagedcare.com.au for more information.

Do not forget our updated Staff Recognition Program is waiting for your nomination! This is drawn quarterly and on the 17th of December, four lucky staff members will be recognised for the valuable contribution they make to lives of residents and staff at The Alexander. Nomination forms are located near reception and the Lorikeet, Currawong & Kookaburra nurse stations. All staff members at The Alexander Aged Care Centre make a valuable contribution to the lives of residents and fellow staff members every day. Staff can be nominated for showing dedication to their role (either via teamwork or care provision), complimentary feedback from a resident, relative or visitor or by going the extra mile in some way for residents or and fellow staff.

We will continue to provide updates to you on a regular basis. We can not thank everyone enough for your understanding and patience during this difficult time.

Stay safe & well,

The Alexander Aged Care Centre
Pandemic Preparedness Committee

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