Lifeview has made the decision to preventatively close all homes to visitors, effective 2pm, Thursday 26 March.
I know this will come as a shock to many of you as there is minimal notice provided to you, and for this I am extremely apologetic.
The escalating emergency in the community as a result of COVID-19 and the risk it brings to the health of our residents, and your loved ones, required fast and decisive action from Lifeview.
Further to this, you are already aware, on Wednesday 18 March the Federal Government announced measures restricting visitors to protect residents in aged care centres, which Lifeview saw as a good starting point. We have since received reports of an increasing number of aged care homes with outbreak of COVID-19.
With all of this taking place, we made the very difficult decision to take additional precautions and do all that we could do to prevent one of our homes being impacted, as we strive to prioritise the health and safety of the residents and staff.
We are aware that other aged care providers are making the same decision, as we have truly begun to see the risk of this virus entering into aged care homes.
I understand this decision will cause concern and pain for a great many of you who were unable to speak with your loved one beforehand, and I sincerely apologise for this.
Please know, this was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my time as Chief Executive Officer of Lifeview, and it was made entirely with the health and safety of all of residents in our care as the priority.
Keeping you connected with your loved one during this time is among our highest priorities. I would like to share with you some of the immediate actions Lifeview are working on, to ensure we can connect you with your loved one during this period.
Some of the homes are already well equipped with mobile tablets to make video calls. In addition to this, all of the homes will be receiving a delivery of new tablets shortly, which our teams will use to connect you with your loved as often as possible. These tablets can be cleaned easily after being used by each resident. This approach will be in addition to any existing ways you might currently use to communicate with your loved one through our teams.
We have assigned a Connections Champion, whose focus will be to ensure families maintain contact with their loved ones through a variety of platforms. I am aware that for some of the residents, your presence and touch is extremely important, and technology cannot replace this. Please know we are doing the very best we can to explore various ways to connect you with your loved ones, with the technology available. More information will be provided to you as soon as possible.
As previously advised we will treat end of life care with the utmost sensitivity, respect and compassion these difficult circumstances deserve. Please speak directly with the Residential Manager, who will be able to make special arrangements for you.
I would like to reassure you that whilst the homes remain free of residents with COVID-19 symptoms, they are not being confined to their rooms. We have looked at how we can enact the strongest preventative infection control approach, and this means we are ensuring social distancing is exercised as a matter of priority where possible.
Finally, I would like to again apologise for the pain this decision may cause you and your family. This situation is entirely unprecedented, and we are doing our very best to ensure that your loved ones are safe in the best way we know how.
Your support and cooperation is critical at this time, and I invite you to speak with the Residential Manager as needs arise.
To assist in answering your queries, we have set up a dedicated e-mail:
COVID-19support@lifeview.com.au
We are also currently in the process of implementing a platform, which will enable direct communication with you to keep you abreast of changes and information. Further details will be provided in due course.
Once again, your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.
Please take care and stay safe.
Madeline Gall
Our View: Lifeview is trusted, respected, consumer focused, inclusive and innovative