20 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with an update about your loved one’s aged care centre.
Pleasingly, since writing to you on Monday, we have had 25 of our residents reach their recovery criteria and we expect 12 more residents to reach that goal tomorrow. This is determined when a resident reaches 10 days after testing positive and if they have no symptoms.
This includes all residents in Meroo and Budawang cottages who are now free to leave their rooms and socialise within their cottage area (they are being asked to wear a mask while doing so).
You will recall all residents who had not yet tested positive to COVID-19 were tested again on Monday via the PCR method. We have received all results with one resident from Woodburn confirmed to have the virus.
All remaining residents with the virus are being monitored closely as they continue their recovery, with most experiencing symptoms ranging from mild to none at all. We do have one resident who is a little more challenged by their symptoms and we are in regular contact with their GP and nominated representatives.
Meanwhile, with the exception of residents in Meroo and Budawang, all other residents are being encouraged to remain in their rooms, where staff are supporting them with activities of interest, and where appropriate encouraging them with a range of exercises to ensure they maintain their strength and mobility. Where needed the team is helping residents to connect with family and friends by video and phone calls.
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.
I will provide you with another update on Friday, when we hope to have the results from today’s tests and news of more residents reaching their recovery criteria.
As previously explained 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
While the risk of COVID-19 remains within the centre visiting at this time is still strongly discouraged. If you do wish to proceed with your visit please contact the Care Manager to discuss making an appointment for your visit, and please comply with instructions regarding the wearing of PPE.
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
