18 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with an update about your loved one’s aged care centre.
Sadly, since writing to you on Friday, one of our residents passed away over the weekend. The resident, in their eighties, 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 saddened by their passing.
As they always do when one of our residents passes away, staff will go about their work today caring for all our residents, and in quiet moments will reflect on what they knew of the resident and their long life, well lived.
As you will recall all residents who had not yet tested positive to COVID-19 were tested again on Friday via the PCR method. Over the weekend we received the results which confirmed that three more residents have the virus.
All those diagnosed with virus are being monitored closely, with the majority managing symptoms ranging from mild to none at all; and some have already reached their recovery criteria. We do however have a small number of residents who are more challenged by the virus as they manage other health issues, and we are in close consultation with their nominated representatives and health professionals.
Another round of PCR testing is being carried out today for all residents in the care centre who haven’t previously tested positive via this method. Further tests will be conducted on Wednesday.
We continue to care for residents in their rooms where they are being served their meals. Today the Lifestyle team will be distributing a range of sweet and savoury treat bags to suit a range of tastes. They continue to assist residents to connect with family and friends by video and phone calls. If you are talking with your loved one and have any concerns about them please let the Care Manager know.
My next update to you will be on Wednesday when we hope to have results of today’s PCR tests. If your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone, and a member of staff will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
As previously explained, 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.
Staying connected
To connect via video calls, and if you haven’t done so already, you may wish to download to your mobile phone or tablet, our app, IRT Connect. Search for it in your app store, and log in using your mobile phone number. Go to this link to find out more and to book a video call with your loved one please contact our Customer Service Team on 134 478.
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
