Ministerial Announcement at Resthaven Malvern
Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘On Thursday 5 November, Resthaven Malvern was delighted to host a press conference by the Minister for Health & Wellbeing, The Hon Stephen Wade, about the latest changes to the emergency management directions relating to residential aged care homes.’
‘The press conference was attended by television crews from all major free to air channels, along with Cassie Mason, Director of the Office for Ageing Well.’
‘The Minister was interviewed in the Resthaven Malvern courtyard, which was of great entertainment to residents enjoying their lunch inside.’
‘The press then interviewed Resthaven Malvern Clinical Nurse, Sam Tutty, who spoke about how great it is that the mask requirement has been lifted, and the benefits this has to residents.’
‘Former Resthaven Malvern Coordinator Housekeeping Services, Christine Comley, also spoke with the press. Christine’s mum, Mrs Jo Posa, lives at Resthaven Malvern.’
‘Four generations of Mrs Posa’s family came along, right down to her three great-grandchildren, and were also filmed and interviewed by the press.’
‘It was very exciting for the children, who were eager to enjoy the morning off school to come and say hi to their great-grandma.’
‘Thank you to the Resthaven Malvern community for hosting this important announcement.’
The new Direction, which came into effect on 5 November 2020, includes the following changes:
- A relaxation of the requirement for personal care workers to work at only one residential aged care facility, subject to aged care providers aiming for this not to occur (if it does, ensuring that a register is kept of other locations at which the staff member has worked)
- The universal wearing of masks is no longer required
- There is now no restriction on the number of care and support visits a resident may receive, in line with other physical distancing requirements.
Darren says, ‘We are so pleased for residents and their families that the visiting restrictions have been eased.’
‘We do, however, remind everyone to please continue to comply with the physical distancing measures in place at all Resthaven residential aged care homes, to avoid the risk of a future outbreak.’
Resthaven has extended visiting hours from Tuesday 10 November. For details, check the latest update here.
Celebrating 85 years in 2020, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.