RE: Update from The Alexander Pandemic Preparedness Committee
Dear Residents, Families, Staff & friends of The Alexander,
We would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year from the Alexander Team.
There have been no significant changes since our last release, however we thought it timely to send a reminder of the COVID safe practices the home is maintaining.
Voluntary COVID Testing For Residential Aged Care Services VIC
The Government has expanded capacity for testing of asymptomatic aged care workers. Melbourne Pathology will be returning to the Home on Wednesday 30th December 2020 to conduct a third round of Asymptomatic testing of the Alexander team.
The testing is voluntary however all Aged Care Workers are strongly encouraged to participate in the program. Aged Care workers include those on staff at the facility whether in direct personal care, hospitality services or administrative support. encourage all residential aged care workers to participate.
Testing is also encouraged for workers who may regularly attend the facility, such as medical practitioners, allied health, and National Disability Insurance Scheme staff. Testing will help providers know the COVID-19 status of workers on a given day. This may also alert providers if someone is positive before further transmission or a significant outbreak occurs.
Visiting Hours
As we are still mindful of risks associated with COVID outbreaks and the recommended visitation remains as;
- Residents can have a have maximum of 3 visitors and any one time, with no limit on the number of visits per day
- Visits are by appointment only and continue to be a maximum of 1 hour to maximise the opportunity for a larger visiting group throughout the allocated timeframe.
- Bookings are limited to a maximum number of visitors per hour due to space density within the home so you must contact reception to confirm your time.
- Appointment times are available from Monday to Friday between the hours of 10.30am to 4.30pm.
- Visits will continue to take place in the resident rooms until further notice
All visitors will continue to be screened on arrival at the main entrance, however the use of Protective gowns will no longer be required. Face masks will remain a requirement along with Safe Hygiene practices and Social distancing whilst visiting loved ones in the home. We will provide you with face masks and we ask that you please follow directions of staff during your visit. When visiting, you will need to go directly to the person’s room for your visit and avoid spending time in the resident communal areas. Please maintain 1.5m social distancing in the home and a fitted face mask must always be worn whilst inside the building. If you need anything while you are visiting, then our staff will be more than happy to get it for you.
Zoom visits are still available on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons or alternative Window visits can be arranged. Please phone Jenny or Fiona at reception to book in a time.
Residents are able to go on family outings and will be individually assessed for a need for quarantine pending location visited. The Commonwealth’s new emergency leave provision for permanent aged care residents is now available until 30 June 2021. Please contact Jim or Vicki should you wish to access this initiative.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we move toward increased visiting. The easing of our restrictions will ensure our strict screening processes continue and our infection control procedures can be maintained.
For appointments, please contact Vasiliki or Fiona at reception on 9548 7366.
Resident Activities
Residents are encouraged to have their meals in the shared dining areas with social distancing in place. There are signs up in all shared areas indicating the maximum number of occupants for the room. The maximum number of occupants includes staff so please be mindful of this during meals or activities.
Visiting church services and other external services resumed in December 2020 and we will be sending The Alexander newsletter out with details in the New Year.
Support Services
Should you have concerns or are feeling distressed regarding the coronavirus outbreak, Mindspot has an assistance page to help you maintain your mental health. Access the Mindspot website Coronavirus information.
Special Thanks
Thank you to all of the residents for their patience and understanding during this time, and thank you also to the families and friends who have been diligently following our infection control processes and patiently undergoing our screening process each time you visit. We realise it has been a difficult time for you with our restricted visiting hours and we hope the further easing of these restrictions will assist in visiting our loved ones with more convenience.
We would also like to thank all our wonderful Team at The Alexander who continue to provide the Care, Support and reassurance to the Residents and visitors alike.
Yours sincerely,
