Infection Control
 Infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all infectious agents (germs and viruses).
Resthaven has an established Infection Control program with the principle goal to maintain a safe environment for residents, clients, visitors, and staff and volunteers by managing risks of infection. This program is documented in policy and procedure and is monitored by a corporate infection control committee with representatives from all Resthaven programs. This committee ensures that the program is based on best practice for aged care, is effective and aligns with legislative requirements.
Resthaven's Infection Control Initiatives
- A Pandemic Influenza Management Plan has been prepared for implementation should a pandemic eventuate.
- Corporate Gastroenteritis and Influenza Outbreak Management Plans
- Staff and volunteer education relating to infection control procedures.
- Staff and volunteer immunisation programs.
- Hand hygiene education for staff
- Promotion of immunisation to residents and families.
Information for families and visitors
Anyone considering a visit to a facility should reconsider if they are suffering from colds, flu, or indeed any communicable illness such as gastroenteritis that may be spread from person to person.
There is potential for such illnesses to spread quickly throughout a residential facility due to the close living and working proximity of many people and the vulnerability of older people.
From time to time we may display signs regarding precautions for persons visiting residents who may be ill. Please ensure that you follow the suggestions to help protect yourself and other residents.
If you frequently visit an aged care facility, are involved in providing care or have frequent contact with an older person, we suggest discussing flu immunization with your doctor/health provider.
General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses. The best method of prevention is to wash hands regularly and thoroughly, avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have a fever and cough, and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, then wash your hands.
It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
Resthaven responds to the advice given by government health officials and we act in accordance with State Department of Health and/or the federal Department of Health and Ageing action plans and advice.
For more information, please check the South Australian Health Department Website, at http://www.health.sa.gov.au/
or phone 1800 022 222.
 Food Safety
There are a number of different germs (viruses and bacteria) that may cause infectious gastro-intestinal illness. People can be made sick through contamination of food, mishandling of food or from airborne viral particles being spread from an ill person when vomiting, coughing and sneezing. Viral gastroenteritis has the potential to spread rapidly.
Resthaven has food safety systems in place at all sites providing meals, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness transmission.
Resthaven has a rigorous approach to food safety standards and we take a proactive approach to minimize the spread of such illnesses through a number of strategies, which include thorough hand washing, staff training, safe food handling practices, notification and using a planned approach.
We request that visitors adhere to our policies regarding bringing food to a resident in care.
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