22 June 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation with the arrangements we have in place for visitors to your loved one’s aged care centre.
We recognise that it can be challenging for some to manage our many requirements of entry including proof of a negative rapid antigen test, up to date flu vaccination, and the wearing of masks as well as extra PPE during times of an outbreak.
We also acknowledge that many of our visitors are accustomed to this routine but at times of family events, milestones and celebrations, our residents receive visits from the extended family who are unfamiliar and perhaps unprepared for the process of entry.
Influenza vaccination – easing of requirement
In recognition of this, and to ensure our residents do not miss out on visits from some family members we have made the decision to ease the requirement for visitors to provide proof of their current flu vaccination.
Although we still strongly encourage all visitors to our aged care centres to have an annual influenza vaccination, it is no longer mandatory.
It does remain a requirement of employment for all IRT staff, contractors and volunteers.
All other requirements remain in place, including: the requirement to complete a rapid antigen test before each visit; the wearing of surgical masks at all times during the visit; and the wearing of extra PPE during an outbreak. More details can be found on our website here.
Please pass this information on to others in your family as you consider appropriate.
Podiatry services
I’m pleased to let you know that in the next month IRT will be introducing a new podiatry provider that will ensure a consistent approach to podiatry across all of our aged care centres.
Australian Healthcare Professionals (AHP) Podiatry, a registered podiatry provider, has been engaged to provide podiatry services at no cost to the resident across all IRT sites. AHP will also continue to deliver podiatry services to all residents who currently receive podiatry services.
Podiatry services will be provided based on assessment of the resident’s clinical needs.
How will it work?
The visiting podiatrist will liaise with the Care Manager of your loved one’s aged care centre to ensure continuity of care for residents already receiving podiatry services and to also arrange a review and assessment of all other residents to determine their podiatry needs.
A representative of your loved one’s care team will contact you if your loved one has been identified as needing podiatry services. If you believe your loved one needs an assessment for this service please don’t hesitate to let your Care Manager know.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions about the visiting arrangements as outlined above, or the podiatry services, please contact your manager for further information.
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Alex Reed
Acting EGM – Aged Care Centres
