11 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your ongoing support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.
Sadly, since writing to you on Friday one of our residents who had tested positive has passed away. The resident, in their nineties, was on a palliative pathway before testing positive to COVID-19 and was receiving additional support from palliation specialists.
On behalf of everyone at IRT I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to all of the resident’s family members and friends, including our Sarah Claydon residents and staff, who are understandably saddened by their passing.
While our staff may be experienced in caring for our residents at the end of their life, the importance of each resident to their loved ones and friends, and the long life they have led, is never lost on them. I know, as they go about their work today, like me, they will be thinking about that resident and the contribution they made to this world in their long life, well lived.
Test results
Results of PCR tests conducted on Friday and again yesterday, have confirmed that more of our residents have COVID-19, and we are now caring for 39 residents with the virus.
As you know, all residents are being cared for in their room where they are being served their meals. Those who have tested positive are being monitored closely in consultation with their GPs, with symptoms ranging from mild to moderate.
Priorities of Care
We now also have a number of staff who have tested positive, and in order to continue our care for each resident we have enacted our Priorities of Care plan. This means that I have granted them permission to tend to less non-essential tasks such as paperwork and administrative activity, in order to sharpen their focus on the individual assistance and care needs of each resident.
We have also engaged assistance from staff elsewhere within IRT and external agencies to support the care centre as our staff recover from the virus. Your loved one may see some unfamiliar faces in those providing their care but I assure you they are fully qualified and experienced in providing care to older Australians.
The Lifestyle team has today distributed treat bags to residents with a selection of sweet and savoury snacks, and activity packs to suit a range of interests. They are also offering residents support where needed, to connect with family and friends by phone or video calls. If you are talking with your loved one and have any concerns about them please contact your Care Manager.
We will continue to ensure we detect any further cases as early as possible by testing all residents who have not yet tested positive again tomorrow. If your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone and will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Visiting at this time is strongly discouraged, but if you do wish to proceed with your visit please contact the care centre to make an appointment.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely,
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
