19 October 2021
Dear family member/resident representative,
Overnight I was saddened by news from Wollongong Hospital that one of our residents, admitted for COVID-19 treatment, had passed away. The man was in his 90s and our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
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 man and his long life, well lived.
Test results
All results of yesterday’s tests of residents have been received and they are all negative. We are still waiting on some results for staff, but results received so far are also negative. All residents and staff will be tested again today.
Residents diagnosed with COVID-19 continue to experience a range of symptoms including a fever and cough, while others are still relatively symptom-free.
We continue to monitor all residents closely and coordinate consultations for residents with symptoms with the Virtual Community Care team, a unit comprised of medical professionals and coordinated through Illawarra Shoalhaven Health District. These consultations include support of our residents who are palliating and have also tested positive for COVID-19.
There are currently 17 residents with COVID-19 at the Care Centre and five residents in Wollongong Hospital receiving treatment. We are in regular contact with the hospital and their nominated representatives for updates.
Our Lifestyle team will today distribute a new Brain Buster puzzle pack and are working on plans to coordinate brief escorted walks for some residents into the courtyard. For other residents we are also seeking to introduce restricted ‘chair-aerobics’.
Staying connected
The team will also continue making daily phone calls to you to provide an update on your loved one. If you are aware of any specific music your loved one enjoys please let the team know and we will endeavour to play it for residents through the speaker system.
Just a reminder that 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.
Gifts and visiting
As previously advised, the centre remains closed to all visitors (except for those attending for end of life) and gifts can be dropped off between 10am – 11am and 1pm – 2pm each day, at the table outside reception. Please include your loved one’s name and do not send items that require refrigeration.
Ongoing communication
As the nominated representative of your love one, I will continue to update you via this daily email. Please pass on this information to other family contacts as appropriate.
If you have any questions or concerns we would appreciate it if you called our Customer Service Team on 134 478.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
