Lifeview is committed to, and prioritises, the health, wellbeing and safety of residents, staff, volunteers and the wider Lifeview family, and as such, is implementing a number of increased infection control measures in response to COVID-19.
We are closely monitoring and following advice from the Department of Health and the Chief Medical Officers, who are well placed to monitor trends, and impacts regarding COVID-19, and provide advice specific to aged care.
Lifeview is focused on prevention, therefore the following measures, inline with the Prime Ministers announcement, are effective as at 19 March 2020:
- Total visits are strictly limited to one per day with a maximum of two people. Visitors are limited to immediate social support (family, close friends) or professional service or advocacy at one time per day.
- All visits are strictly limited to one hour.
- Large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment are no longer permitted.
- You must practice social distancing including maintaining a distance of 1.5m between you and all others (including your loved one) in the home.
- Visits are to be conducted in the resident’s room only. Visits in communal areas are strictly prohibited.
- Visitors who have not been vaccinated against influenza (after 1 May 2020) will be refused entry to the home. You must have evidence of vaccination upon arrival.
- All resident social outings (including family escorted and independent), will be subject to approval. The screening process needs to be completed by either the Residential Manager, Resident Wellness Manager or the Resident Wellness Coordinator, prior to departing the home. In some cases, the outing will be prohibited.
Visitors to our homes
We understand how important it is for residents to stay connected to family and friends, however, in an effort to protect residents and staff during this time, we are limiting visiting hours at all homes to:
- 10am to 4pm – Monday to Friday
- 10am to 2pm – Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
When you arrive, you will be required to report to the staff member on check point duty who will undertake a short health assessment with you. Once you are cleared, you can then enter the home.
We also request that you visit your loved one in their room only, limit social physical contact, as well as contact with other residents, and keep your visit to one-hour maximum. Children under the age of 18 will not be able visit the home during this period.
Visitors are also to follow the below guidelines:
DO NOT VISIT:
- If you have returned from anywhere overseas in the last 14-days
- If you have had contact with someone who has tested positively for COVID-19
- If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as:
- coughing
- fever
- fatigue/muscle aches
- shortness of breath
Failure to follow any of the above guidelines will see visitors refused entry to Lifeview homes.
We understand there may be extenuating circumstances where you need to visit outside of these hours - our Residential Managers will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone based on individual circumstances. Please ensure you discuss these with the Residential Manager prior to any visit.
Additional Measures
In addition to requesting the above of all visitors to Lifeview, we have implemented the following:
- Daily temperature checks for all staff, residents, volunteers and visitors
- Activated our COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan
- Extra staff training has, and will continue to be, provided
- COVID-19 Committee has been set-up and meets daily
- Engaged an Infection Control Specialist
- Prohibiting all staff overseas travel
Finally, we are practising our social distancing skills – we know you will understand if we don’t shake your hand, and of course using best practice coughing etiquette.
If you have any concerns about the above, please speak with the Residential Manager of your home or email us at office@lifeview.com.au You can also get more information on COVID-19 at www.health.gov.au
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this period.
Let healthy concern and appropriate action guide you, rather than fear.
Our View: Lifeview is trusted, respected, consumer focused, inclusive and innovative