20 April 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
This is an update about how we are managing the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre and a reminder about the details regarding our influenza vaccination requirements for visitors from 1 May 2023.
COVID-19 update
I am pleased to shared that a number of residents have now reached their recovery criteria and are no longer keeping to their rooms. I am also pleased to report that the rapid antigen tests conducted for the residents identified as high risk contacts on Level 3 have all come back negative for COVID-19.
We are now caring for one resident on Level 3 and eight residents in the Dementia Support Unit who are positive for COVID-19. These residents are being cared for in their rooms and are being closely monitored by our staff.
All residents are being closely monitored by our staff for symptoms and will receive a rapid antigen test if they begin to display symptoms. If your loved one tests positive, staff will let you know by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Influenza vaccination requirements for visitors
You might recall a letter sent earlier in April about our influenza vaccination requirements for visitors to our aged care centres.
This is a reminder that from 1 May 2023 when visiting your loved one, you will be required to provide proof of having received the 2023 influenza vaccine.
This requirement is in accordance with our policy, as it has been for the past few years, where anyone (other than our residents and customers) who has not received their annual flu vaccination by 1 May 2023 will not be able to enter our aged care centres, retirement villages or customers’ homes. This includes employees, volunteers, students, contractors and visitors (aged 6 months and older). The only exception will be those with a legitimate medical exemption, or as previously mentioned, the residents and customers themselves.
Vaccination is the best protection against influenza and will not only improve your own defence against serious illness but also reduce the chance of passing it on to those around you including those most vulnerable like your loved one and other residents at their care centre.
What does this mean for you?
Please ensure that you get your 2023 flu vaccination between now and 1 May 2023. Flu shots can be obtained at your local pharmacy or from your GP.
You will need to retain proof of your 2023 flu vaccination as from 1 May you will be asked to declare you have it when answering questions in the check-in process before visiting your loved one (see information below). At any time when in the care centre you may also be asked to provide evidence of this to a staff member.
Wellness check-in
From 1 May, the questions completed in the check-in process on arrival at your loved one’s care centre will be updated to include a declaration that you have received your 2023 flu vaccination.
Please make sure that you carefully read the update to the questions and answer them all honestly each time you visit.
Visiting arrangements
As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre, you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time. If you do continue with your plans to visit, please assist the care centre by complying with the following:
- All visitors are asked to complete their own rapid antigen test at home or on arrival at the centre and provide proof of the negative result (photo or actual test).
- All visitors are asked to wear a P2/N95 mask when visiting and other PPE as directed by staff.
- Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive will be provided with direction on any further PPE requirements by a member of staff.
- Please wear your PPE as instructed by staff. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
Further to the visiting arrangement above, please note that while we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre, children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit the Dementia Support Unit or Level 3 of the care centre.
More details on our visiting arrangements can be found on our website here.
Please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza which is highly contagious.
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
Debbie Andrews
Operations Manager South East Sydney – Aged Care Centres
