residential aged care facilities toolkit

COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities Toolkit

Residential Aged Care Facilities

Toolkit


This kit aims to support Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) communicate essential information to stakeholders and the community, in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.Preparing early is important, before an outbreak occurs at your RACF, as residents and the community will expect a very rapid response once an outbreak has been identified.

Communication will be key during this critical time. Consider whom you need to communicate to and how best to communicate to them. Continue to communicate throughout this period to keep stakeholders informed, even if there are no new updates.

The Ministry of Health has a range of communications tools and resources that can assist in managing an outbreak.

The guide has been created knowing COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and teams may have varied levels of staffing and expertise at any one time.

This guide has a number of downloadable ready-to-use resources including facility signage, flyers, draft media statements and social media posts.

We welcome your feedback on this document that can assist us with future updates.

Thank you for your efforts and dedication to the residents and their families.

Introduction


health.nsw.gov.au

Identify a spokesperson and backup spokesperson. Speak with the nominated spokesperson and backup. Share a copy of the outbreak plan with them. Double check their availability to do media interviews outside of normal business hours and on weekends.

Take care of essential admin now. Ensure you have mobile phone numbers of spokespeople, and know of planned leave they may have. Ensure contact lists of essential team members and senior staff are up to date. What other key administrative lists and details need to be considered and updated? Set a deadline and ensure this critical task is completed.

Consider the needs of multicultural and Aboriginal audiences now. Which languages other than English will you need to reach consumers? The COVID-19 comms team already have many translated resources that can save time and money.

Develop or refresh your media plan now. Consider writing a brief COVID-19 media plan. Have a look at local media lists to ensure they are up to date. Call local area media outlets and let them know who the point of contact will be in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak. They will appreciate the call, and you can plan the media response together.

Social media is critical. The community’s prime method of two-way communication will be social media. Your media plan should cover responding to social media questions and will need to be monitored outside normal business hours.

Consider local communication channels other than media and plan for the content they will need. The local Council’s newsletter, local schools, community and business organisations, community centres and local religious organisations are highly eff ective ways to reach your audience. Speak with these organisations early to ask for their assistance in reaching the community in the event of an outbreak. Ask for, and plan for, their comms-related needs to make it as easy as possible for them to support your eff orts to reach the community.

Regular planning updates. Take some time to have a planning meeting to discuss these issues, the needs of the team, the impact of an outbreak, and how the RACF will need to respond. Consider the impact of staffi ng and resourcing, should an outbreak occur. Build a staffi ng roster, so the team is ready and understands roles, responsibilities, approval pathways and who to contact for additional support.

Prepare your communication resources. The COVID-19 communications team have a large range of graphics, text, translated and Aboriginal content and social content, available for your RACF’s needs.

Contact details for NSW Health Communications team:General: [email protected] Social: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected] phone: 02 9962 9890

PRE-OUTBREAK CHECKLIST

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Pre-planning, before your RACF has an outbreak, is essential. You will save time and ensure a best-practice approach. The community will expect a very rapid response, and the RACF should plan on mobilising very quickly, once an outbreak has been identifi ed.


health.nsw.gov.au

Implement your COVID-19 communication action plan. Avoid delays and implement your COVID-19 communication action plan straightaway. Get the comms messaging and collateral deployed in local media and with other local communication channels.

Be in close contact with your LHD and testing clinics. Ensure that all staff are aware of the location and opening hours of established and pop up clinics in your area so you can direct community members to testing sites. Create resources to inform members of the public of the opening and closing hours.

Keep your internal stakeholders updated. Consider a daily huddle, daily email readouts about numbers of tests conducted, the contact tracing underway, the media interviews conducted, the feedback and questions consumers are asking on social media, and upcoming plans for the next day will help to collate the day’s activities.

Engage with key external stakeholders on an ongoing basis. Regularly communicate with local elected leaders, including area Lord Mayors, MPs and other leaders on the situation (even if there are no new updates) and ensure partner organisations such as your local Primary Health Network are aware of your plan.

Check on your communications staff and spokespeople. Don’t forget to check in on your communications staff and spokespeople who may be working long hours. Consider what your back up for communications staffi ng will be. Put a roster in place for communications spokespeople.

Make changes as needed. As the COVID-19 response is rapidly changing, your plans, approaches and tools will also need to be fl exible and adapt to the changing needs of the situation. Make note of lessons learned. Consider what changes and updates are needed to your communications collateral or approach and make those changes.

Contact details for NSW Health Communications team:General: [email protected] Social: [email protected] Media: [email protected]: [email protected] phone: 02 9962 9890

OUTBREAK CHECKLIST

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Should your RACF experience a COVID-19 outbreak, you’ll need to implement your COVID-19 communications very rapidly.

COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities ToolkitPage 5 COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities Toolkit - Resources B

Media Statement RACF LOGO

RACF contact details

Date (RACF Branding)

COVID-19 outbreak at [Location]

[RACF name] at [location] has [number] resident/s who have tested positive to COVID-19 today.

[Spokesperson] RACF says the health, safety and wellbeing of residents of [RACF name] is of the highest priority.

[Spokesperson] RACF moved to assure residents, staff and families affected by the impact of the virus at the [RACF location] that the situation is being closely monitored and everything possible is being done.

“We understand the concerns from families regarding their loved ones, and we are listening and acting on advice during this challenging event.”

The [RACF name] is working in close consultation with NSW Ministry of Health, the Department of Health and peak industry bodies to coordinate and deliver an effective response which prioritises the health and wellbeing of every resident of [RACF name].

Testing is being undertaken for staff at [RACF name] and residents have been isolated.

[RACF name] will call a resident and family meeting tomorrow – this will include representatives from the NSW Ministry of Health, the Local Health District and [other relevant stakeholders] to convey important updates.

“Please be assured the [RACF name] staff are doing their absolute best.”

Further information is available via the following website www.health.nsw.gov.au

-ENDS-

Media Statement RACF LOGO

Date (RACF Branding) COVID-19 outbreak at [Location] [RACF name] at [location] has [number] resident/s who have tested positive to COVID-19 today. The resident/s is/are currently in isolation.

[Spokesperson] RACF says the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff of [RACF name] is of the highest priority and everything possible is being done to help contain and control the outbreak as quickly and safely as possible. We have and will continue to operate on maximum alert levels.

[Spokesperson] RACF moved to assure residents and their families, as well as our dedicated staff and the community, affected by the impact of the virus at the [RACF location] that we will continue to deliver safe, quality care and services to all residents while the situation is being closely monitored.

The [RACF name] is working tirelessly and in close consultation with NSW Ministry of Health, the Department of Health and peak industry bodies to coordinate and deliver an effective response which prioritises the health and wellbeing of every resident of [RACF name].

A number of health measures are being implemented. Testing is being undertaken for staff at [RACF name] and residents have been isolated. Personal protective equipment (PPE) has also been provided to ensure the safety of residents and staff, [Spokesperson] RACF.

The introduction of visitor restrictions at [RACF name], which will limit access to essential staff and visitors only, has been undertaken as a matter of caution to protect residents and staff.

“We recognise this is a difficult time for families and friends, but we are committed to providing the latest information and updates, and alternative methods of connecting with their loved ones such as [contact method].”

[RACF name] will call a resident and family meeting tomorrow to convey important updates.

We thank the families and friends of our residents for their understanding and will continue to work and communicate closely together.

“Please be assured the [RACF name] staff are doing their absolute best and we want to acknowledge their support and professionalism during this challenging period.”

Further information is available via the following website www.health.nsw.gov.au

COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities ToolkitPage 6 COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities Toolkit - Resources B

RACF LOGO

RACF contact details

Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) outbreak letter to familiesResidential Aged Care Facility (RACF) outbreak letter to families

DRAFT TEMPLATE

Name Address Dear <Name>, I regret to inform you unfortunately there is a COVID-19 outbreak at <RACF name> where your <family member> resides. As discussed in our phone call, I am sorry to advise that your family member is one of the residents to test positive to COVID-19 / OR I can advise that your family member is not one of the residents to test positive to COVID-19, as at <date>. At this stage, I can advise that <number> of resident/s and <number> of staff have tested positive to COVID-19. Further testing is currently underway for staff and residents in the facility. I understand this situation is a very upsetting and distressing time for you and your family and loved ones. However, I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of your family member <name here>, and all of our residents, and the situation is being closely monitored. We are working closely with the relevant health authorities, particularly the local Public Health Unit, to minimise the spread of infection and contain and control the outbreak as quickly and safely as possible. Our Outbreak Management Team has been activated, and additional precautions in Infection Prevention and Control and PPE wearing are taking place. Unfortunately, tighter visitation restrictions will need to be in place, which will mean restricting access to essential staff and visitors only. While temporary isolation is a proven method in stemming the tide of the outbreak, I understand it is a very difficult situation. Our facility will continue to facilitate alternative methods of keeping in touch with your loved one, in line with the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes During COVID-19. I would like to assure you that we will continue to meet our responsibilities and deliver safe, quality care and services to all residents. We will keep our lines of communication open to ensure you are kept informed and updated. With the support of NSW Health and the Australian Government, care provision will continue for all residents, regardless of COVID-19 status. This will be in the form of clinical outreach teams and working collaboratively with residents’ usual general practitioners and other treating specialists as required. Treatment may occur here in our facility, or in hospital when needed. I can assure you that decisions about going to hospital will be jointly made by residents, families and the treating doctor. Some residents may feel more comfortable being cared for in our facility, with care by specialist doctors, but everyone should be assured that hospital care is available when it is needed. I am sure you will have lots of questions and concerns over the next few days and weeks. When you need to know what is happening at any time, you can contact us on <phone number and person>. Please feel free to call them anytime. Additionally, we will also be keeping you informed through letters, e-mails, phone calls and online meetings. I thank you for your understanding, partnership and patience during this challenging time. Yours sincerely, <Signature> <Position> <RACF name>


Check with the residential aged care facility before visiting your loved one.



Page 7 COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities Toolkit - Resources C

Social Media Resources

[RACF name] is directing anyone who wants to visit loved ones at [RACF name] to check before visiting as there are new policies in place.

This advice follows notification of [a/#] positive COVID-19 [case/cases] in the (LOCATION) area.

[Insert additional lines from public health alert or media release]

Further information about visiting [RACF name] can be found at:

[INSERT WEBSITE]

For further information, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/

Infectious/covid-19/Pages/aged-care.aspx

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/thumbnails/social-tile-testing-60-69-FB.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/thumbnails/social-tile-check-with-facility-3-FB.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/protect-elders.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/thumbnails/social-tile-new-rules-2-FB.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/thumbnails/social-tile-new-rules-FB.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/thumbnails/social-tile-check-with-facility-2-FB.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/visiting-racfs.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/PublishingImages/thumbnails/social-tile-check-with-facility-FB.png

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/aged-care.aspx




Facility signage

Page 8 COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities Toolkit - Resources A

88494 No ACCESS Floor TPU STAFF ENTRNACE SIDE.indd 188494 No ACCESS Floor TPU STAFF ENTRNACE SIDE.indd 1 7/3/20 1:58 pm7/3/20 1:58 pm

No unauthorised entry


No unauthorised entry


No entry


No parking

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COVID-19 Clinic restricted access signage

COVID-19 Clinic wayfinding and staff signage

COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Clinic is this way

Please do not enter this area unless you have an appointment

Thank you for your understanding.

We are taking measures againstCOVID-19 (coronavirus)COVID-19

(coronavirus)

Clinic walkway

Please do not enter this area


We are taking measures againstCOVID-19 (coronavirus)

Please check in with nurse

88494 DON Zone_ Entry DESK2.indd 188494 DON Zone_ Entry DESK2.indd 1 7/3/20 1:57 pm7/3/20 1:57 pm

Donning stationYou must don appropriate PPE to enter this clinic

88494 Staff Access only Floor TPU Side entry.indd 188494 Staff Access only Floor TPU Side entry.indd 1 7/3/20 1:58 pm7/3/20 1:58 pm

Staff only entry


Doffing stationYou must doff to enter and staff tea room and exit

COVID-19 Drive-through Clinic – stop signage

NO ENTRYAuthorised staff only

Please stop here


facility

staff

A range of COVID-19 relevant resources are available for you to download.

We are also interested to hear from you regarding COVID-19 communication requirements or gaps that we can address.


COVID-19(coronavirus)

Clinic is this way

Pleasedo not enterthis areaunless youhave anappointment



(coronavirus)

Clinicwalkway

Pleasedo not enterthis area



Pleasecheck inwithnurse


DonningstationYou must donappropriate PPE toenter this clinic


Staff onlyentry


Doffing stationYou must doff PPE to enter


COVID-19(coronavirus)

Clinic is this way

Pleasedo not enterthis areaunless youhave anappointment



(coronavirus)

Clinicwalkway

Pleasedo not enterthis area



Pleasecheck inwithnurse


Donning stationYou must don appropriate PPE to enter this facility


Staff onlyentry


DoffingstationYou must doffto enter and stafftea room and exit


Facility signage 2

Page 9 COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facilities Toolkit - Resources A

COVID-19 Clinic bathroom and change room signage

Toilet ToiletToilet

Female change room

ShowerMale change room

Please maintain social distancing

1.5m

Please do not sit here


2

Please limit the number of people in this lift to

1.5m

Thank you for your help

COVID-19

For further information, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/

covid-19/Pages/aged-care.aspx




Resources

A range of COVID-19 relevant resources are available for you to download.

We are also interested to hear from you regarding COVID-19 communication requirements or gaps that we can address.

Gotsymptoms?Gettested.Anyone with COVID-19symptoms should be tested.

health.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus

Thank you for helping keep each other safe during COVID-19.

Thank you for your help and understanding

COVID-19

Please wear a mask if you can’t keep 1.5 metres away from others.

Quantity:Poster

We are working hard to look after you.

Thank you for your patience while we’re helping others.

Sydney Local Health District does not tolerate violent or aggressive behaviour.

Order sheet: COVID-19 – Hospitals and facilitiesContact name: Contact number: Date:

Delivery details (location and primary contact):

Delivery mode: Internal mail Courier pick-up Transport or delivery required

Thank you for your helpand understanding

To keep you and your loved ones safe

COVID-19

Visiting is restricted at this time

Please talk to our sta�

A support personmay be allowed

in some circumstances

Here are some tips to keep you connected with your loved ones in hospital during COVID-19.

COVID-19We know things have changed

Telephone calls

Email a loved one

If they have a smart device we’re suggesting they try out Facetime, Skype or WhatsappThank you for your help

and understanding


Visiting has changed

COVID-19

1 visitor a day per patient, for up to 1 hour

Thank you for your helpand understanding


Visiting has changed

COVID-19

Please talk to our sta� about your visit before entering this ward

Quantity:Poster

Quantity:Poster

Stay Safe

Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or your elbow. Put the tissue in the bin and wash your hands

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe

No shaking hands, hugging or kissing other people who don’t live with you

Don’t attend big family gatherings. Catch up with a small group instead

Stay 1.5 metres or two big steps away from other people

Follow NSW rules for gatherings and activities (individuals and businesses). Follow advice to avoid COVID-19 hotspots

Stay safe when out and about. Take hand sanitiser with you. Clean your hands often

Stay in if you feel unwell. Get tested if you have any symptoms. Avoid contact with others until you are well

COVID-19 symptoms

Fever Sore throatCough

Shortness of breath Loss of smell Loss of taste

For more information call the National Coronavirus helpline on 1800 020 080 (available 24/7). For free help in your language call 13 14 50.

www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 © NSW Health July 2020. SHPN (HP NSW) 200327

Quantity:Poster

Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub to protect yourself from viruses.

Have you washed your hands?

Find the factshealth.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus

Quantity:Poster

stop the spreadHelp us


Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow. Put the tissues in the bin.

Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

Stay home if you are sick.

Quantity:Poster

Available in language

Quantity:Poster

Help us stop the spread

Let’s not panic the Mob


Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow. Put the tissues in the bin

Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub

Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms

Protect your mob from the flu get your free flu vaccination

Practice social distancing try and keep 1.5m away from other people (more if sick) and avoid kissing and shaking hands

Stay home if you are sick

1.5m

in our Aboriginal communities


Quantity: Quantity: Quantity: Quantity: Quantity:Poster Poster Poster Poster Poster



To order prints, please contact:Strategic Relations and Communication: 9515 9513 | [email protected] Last updated: July 2020

Dr Teresa Anderson AM Chief Executive Sydney Local Health District

27 July 2020

Dear patient,

We have all had to make some significant changes to our lives to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

As part of the response, we have had to make some changes to visiting in our hospitals. It is one more way we are helping to protect our patients, our staff and our community.

We’re asking patients to limit visitors to only one visitor a day per patient. Where possible we ask that your visitor only stays one hour so that we can maintain social distancing on the ward. We’re also asking that your visitors avoid bringing children where possible.

All visitors will be screened on entry and asked to wear a mask when inside the hospital. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mask.

In some areas visiting may be further restricted – please talk to our staff.

We encourage you to keep in touch with your family and loved ones in other ways for example by phone or email.

We know it is a big change. But we need to work together with our community to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

This won’t be forever, but right now this is what we need to do.

We know it’s not easy. But we’ll get through this together.

Our staff are working hard to care for you, please be kind. Thank you again for your help and understanding.

If you have any questions, please talk to our staff.

Quantity:Patient visitor letter


Applying and wearing a surgical mask:

Removing your surgical mask:

How to fit and remove a surgical mask

1

To apply hold the mask by the ear loops and place

them around each ear

Remove mask by touching the ear loops only.

Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth

Put the mask in the bin.

Shape the metal strip at the top of the mask

to your nose

Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with

soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

1 3

3

2

2

Important tips

Avoid touching the outside of the mask once you have applied it.All surgical masks can be worn for four hours unless wet or soiled. Masks should be discarded after use.

health.nsw.gov.au/coronavirusThank you for helping us stop the spread of COVID-19

Quantity:Flyer



COVID-19


Quantity:Poster

health.nsw.gov.auwww.health.nsw.gov.au

Practise simple hygiene by washing hands regularly

Wet hands

Rinse hands

Spend 20 seconds washing your hands.

Apply soap

Turn off tap

Lather & scrub

Dry hands

© NSW Ministry of Health 2020 SHPN (HP NSW) 200125

Quantity:Flyer


Thank you for understanding.

We are making some changes to protect our patients, our visitors and our sta� .

COVID-19

Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

To protect yourself and your community you must continue to:

• Keep a safe physical distance from others

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often

• Watch out for any symptoms of COVID-19

These things are more important than ever as rules are relaxed.

Come forward and get tested even if you only have

mild symptoms!

Contact your AMS, GP or hospital to find the nearest testing clinic.

For the latest information on COVID-19 visit nsw.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080

#keepourmobsafe



COVID-19


We can all help keep our mob COVID safe.

For more information visit nsw.gov.au

Wash your hands often

Keep a safe distance

2 big steps

Stay home if unwell

Got symptoms? Get a test

Fever CoughRunny nose

Loss of smell or taste

• Patients in this Ward are at particular risk from COVID-19.

• If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (like a fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste), please delay your visit until you are feeling better and get tested immediately.

• Please notify a staff member as soon as you arrive and put on a face mask.

• Please also use the alcohol based hand rubs provided to clean your hands when you enter and leave.

Help us Protect our Patients, Visitors and Staff

COVID-19

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HELP US PROTECT

RESIDENTS

• If you have any COVID-19 symptoms (like a fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste), you may put other people at risk.

• Please delay your visit until you are feeling better and get tested immediately.

• Please notify a staff member as soon as you arrive and put on a face mask.

Please do not visit if you are ill and get tested

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For further information, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/

covid-19/Pages/aged-care.aspx




The Australian Government Department of Health has a range of aged care resources, including apps, audio and video resources and other publications (including fact sheets) available. Here is a selection:

For further information, visit https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/aged-care/aged-care-resources

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-resources-for-health-professionals-including-aged-care-providers-pathology-providers-and-health-care-managers

The Australian Government Department of Health has regular announcements and ‘Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update’ newsletters which you are encouraged to subscribe to so you can stay up-to-date with issues affecting the aged care sector.

https://www.health.gov.au/using-our-websites/subscriptions/subscribe-to-aged-care-sector-announcements-and-newsletters

NATIONAL AGED CARE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Briefing Pack – Aged Care Providers

21/08/2020

Contents Overview Information for Aged Care Providers FAQs

Overview The National Aged Care Emergency Response (NACER) is an initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Health and the Australian aged care industry. The intent of NACER is to build a pool of staff – from areas outside of Victoria that don’t have community transmission of COVID-19 – which can be deployed to assist aged care services with confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Currently, aged care services in Victoria are experiencing large numbers of COVID-19 cases among residents and staff. This is compromising their ability to provide adequate care and this may get worse. They need more support to protect the health and wellbeing of the older Australians in their services.

We need experienced Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Personal Care Workers and Cleaners who are not in a COVID-19 vulnerable group. We expect you will identify staff through an Expression of Interest. Additionally, you will need to endorse staff as having the necessary qualifications, skills, experience and ability to cope under pressure and in confronting environments.

Staff will need to:

have a current national police check (consistent with the requirements - including the recording and system requirements - in the Accountability Principles 2014 made pursuant to the Aged Care Act 1997)

have a current influenza vaccination have demonstrated appropriate and current competencies, qualifications and

knowledge, to effectively perform their roles as required by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) where appropriate

FAQS Flu Vaccination requirements for aged care facilities

23 June 2020 Each state and territory has directions about entering residential aged care facilities. The directions give effect to the recommendations of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, endorsed by the National Cabinet.

Residential aged care providers and visitors to aged care facilities must remain up-to-date with their state or territory directions. You can find this information on your state or territory website. Contact your relevant state or territory government for advice on how this applies to you.

The directions are available on the following websites:

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Tasmania

Australian Capital Territory

Northern Territory

Flu vaccinations The annual influenza (flu) vaccine for 2020 is now available. It is most important this year with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Cases of the flu can increase the burden on the health system.

While the flu vaccine cannot protect against COVID-19, you can become ill with the flu and COVID-19 together. This may cause severe outcomes, including hospitalisation.

NATIONAL AGED CARE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Briefing Pack – Aged Care Workers

21/08/2020

The National Aged Care Emergency Response (NACER) is an initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Health and the Australian aged care industry. NACER will organise staff – from areas outside of Victoria that don’t have community transmission of COVID-19 – to help care for people in aged care services with confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria.

Aged care services in Victoria are experiencing large numbers of COVID-19 cases among residents and staff. They are struggling to provide adequate care and it could get worse. They urgently need workers from other states to protect the health of the older Australians in Victorian services.

We are seeking experienced Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Personal Care Workers and Cleaners who are not from a COVID-19 vulnerable group. Staff should be endorsed by their employer as having the necessary qualifications, skills, experience and ability to cope under pressure and in confronting environments.

Interested staff will need to:

have a current national police check (consistent with the requirements - including the recording and system requirements - in the Accountability Principles 2014 made pursuant to the Aged Care Act 1997)

have a current influenza vaccination demonstrate appropriate and current competencies, qualifications and

knowledge, to effectively perform their roles as required by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) where appropriate

a Victorian worker’s permit (the Commonwealth Department of Health will help arrange this)

have not recently undertaken overseas travel or had any known contact with COVID-19 which would preclude their deployment (or, if they have, they may be asked to isolate in advance of commencing their deployment).

Ideally, you will be sent in a team of six people to aged care services for four weeks, followed by two weeks of quarantine which will take place following your return to your home state.

CASE STUDY: Dorothy Henderson Lodge

Dorothy Henderson Lodge experienced a COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020.

Ross Low has been the Chief Executive Officer of Dorothy Henderson Lodge for the last 10 years. He has provided a first-hand account of their battle against COVID-19.

BaptistCare's Dorothy Henderson Lodge was the first aged care home in Australia to have an outbreak of COVID-19. It was the beginning of March, before Australia’s borders closed and people retreated on mass into their homes. As an aged care provider, we are always prepared for outbreaks of infectious diseases. However, COVID-19 presented a unique threat. It was truly challenging being impacted by a virus that was new to the world. Especially one which we knew could have a significant impact on our most vulnerable residents.

Late on March 3, we received advice from the Public Health Unit that one of our care workers had tested positive. The staff member was an Assistant in Nursing (AIN), who had been unwell on and off for several days. Her last day at work was March 1 and she had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis on March 3. The staff member was immediately hospitalised for isolation. She had no relevant history of travel or contact with a confirmed case.

Once advised of the positive test, we immediately sent home all staff who had contact with the staff member. They were all asked to isolate.

At that time, two of our residents had already been hospitalised with respiratory issues. One was a 95 year old woman and the other an 82 year old man. They both later returned positive results for the virus.

We began immediately working with NSW Health and the Australian Government Department of Health to implement an outbreak management strategy. BaptistCare attended a briefing on Tuesday evening March 3. This involved the Australian Government Department of Health, NSW Health and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. BaptistCare activated its Crisis Management Response team. The team began working on containing the spread of the virus at the home.

14/08/2020

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION FOR PERMANENT AGED CARE RESIDENTS Emergency Leave

Recent legislation changes have introduced a new emergency leave provision. Permanent aged care residents can now take temporary leave from an aged care home during an emergency situation. This could include disasters (natural or otherwise), pandemics or epidemics.

In the event of an emergency situation the Government will decide:

• that an emergency exists • the area of impact • the duration of the emergency.

The new leave provision means that, in the event of an emergency situation, residents will not need to:

• use their social leave entitlements • pay their aged care provider further fees to secure their place.

The Government, through the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, has determined the COVID-19 pandemic is an emergency situation. The period of this emergency is from 1 April 2020 until 30 September 2020. Emergency leave is now available for permanent aged care residents during this period. This fact sheet is to assist permanent residents and their families to understand the impact of these changes.

FACT SHEET: OLDER PERSONS COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE

26 June 2020 The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line informs, supports and connects for older Australians.

Some older people are vulnerable to COVID-19 but less connected to the internet and in need of ways to access information for their circumstances. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support.

Older Australians, their families, friends and carers can FREECALL 1800 171 866 if they:

would like to talk with someone about the COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on them

feel lonely or worry about a loved one care for someone and need some information or someone to talk to need help or advice about changing the aged care services they are receiving need help to access new care services or essential supplies such as shopping have concern about themselves, a friend or family member living with

Dementia would like to arrange a one-off or regular wellbeing check for themselves,

or someone else.

Older Australians, their relatives, carers, friends or supporters can:

call 1800 171 866 8.30am – 6pm AEST weekdays for any information or services they may need.

The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line is a joint initiative of:

COTA Australia, Dementia Australia, National Seniors and OPAN, supported by funding from the Australian Government.

FACT SHEET WORKERS IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

05/08/2020 Our residential aged care workers are at the frontline of protecting older Australians from COVID-19. We want to support and protect you.

In addition to this information sheet, you can find out more at:

• What you need to know about COVID-19

• How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19

• Using personal protective equipment

• Support during an outbreak

• Translated COVID-19 resources

Why do we need to protect older Australians? Some people are at greater risk of more serious illness if they get COVID-19. Risk of severe disease death increases as people age and there is a very substantial increase in risk of severe COVID-19 illness in people over 70.

Some medical conditions may also increase risk. People at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness include those who:

• have had an organ transplants and on immune suppressive therapy

• have had a bone marrow transplants in the last 24 months or are on immune suppressive therapy for graft versus host disease

• have a haematologic (blood) cancer e.g. leukaemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome (diagnosed within the last 5 years)

• are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy

For people living with dementia or some form of cognitive impairment, the ability to alert others about potential symptoms may be a challenge. This is especially so where there is a limited capacity to communicate verbally or express pain and discomfort.

Australian Government Resources

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/aged-care/aged-care-resources





residential aged care facilities toolkit

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