COVID-19

8th May 2020

Dear Residents Family and Friends,

Earlier this week you heard directly from your Facility Services Manager on what has been happening in your facility.  It has been amazing to see Columbia Staff truly come together to support your loved one, and each other in such a challenging time.  We are all having to adapt, change and adjust to a new normal.

Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all in the Columbia Community.  Our staff are working hard to make Mother’s Day special for you and your loved one this Sunday given the very different circumstances we find ourselves in. 

Connecting with Family

We know how important it is for our Residents to connect with their Family and Friends.  Throughout this period we have invested in additional technology and support programs that allow our Residents to most importantly see and engage with their loved ones.  Each facility has specific dial in details, if you have been unable to connect please email Us, let us know the Resident and Facility you are looking to connect with and your request will be forwarded.  Activities are planned at each facility this Sunday for Mother’s Day.  Please reach out to your local Facility Services Manager to find out more. 

No Visitor Policy

We recently surveyed Residents across all of our facilities and overwhelmingly the majority have confirmed to us that they have felt SAFE as a result of the No Visitor Policy.  During this Mother’s Day weekend our protective No Visitor Policy will remain in place.  In the interests of safety for all our Residents and Staff, only compassionate visits for Residents receiving palliative care will be permitted.  No other visits are permitted for the time being.  We recognise this is extremely difficult for everyone, especially over Mother’s Day and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Next Steps

Plans are progressing to ease the No Visitor policy and gradually welcome visitors back to each facility.  In an effort to minimise the risk to both Residents and Staff, our draft plan includes an online booking system for specific times, visits limited to one Family member and for a period of no more than 30min.  Areas have been identified where mandatory social distancing can still occur to enable you to visit with your loved one.  More on this to come.

Reminder – Mandatory flu vaccinations

From 1 May 2020, all staff and visitors must have been vaccinated against seasonal influenza to enter an aged care facility. To meet the Federal Government’s audit for this directive we will be seeking appropriate evidence of immunization status from everyone wishing to visit Residents. Appropriate evidence may be a statement or record from a health practitioner; or an immunization history statement available from Medicare online or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. In preparation of easing of our No Visitor Policy please email us proof of vaccination – be sure to include the Resident and Facility you are related too.

We are monitoring the risks associated with COVID-19, reviewing the trends in the community as well as the guidance provided by the Federal and State Government, public health departments and the aged care industry. I am sorry that on this Mother’s Day the risk for our vulnerable Residents remains too high for us to accept visitors.

Happy Mother’s Day and stay safe.

Tiffany