Update on COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions
Resthaven continues to review the situation regularly as the COVID-19 pandemic status changes.
On 20 March 2020, Resthaven introduced limited visiting hours to prevent the COVID-19 Coronavirus from entering Resthaven’s residential aged care homes. However, due to difficulties with managing the expectations of this, and in considering the risks for residents and staff, we took the very difficult decision to cease visitor access on 25 March 2020, other than for end of life care visits.
On 7 April 2020, it was decided to maintain the current visitor restrictions of no visitors within our residential homes, with the exception of visiting allowed at the time of end of life care. Many family members support this approach.
The Resthaven Board has approved additional resources to enable Resthaven to facilitate increased communication and engagement opportunities through technology, via the use of iPads using Facetime or Zoom. The additional resources enable increased staffing hours to facilitate these communications.
Restrictions are in place regarding delivery of gifts to the homes. Items that may be delivered include:
- Letters and cards
- Craft items such as wool, fabrics and other items to use for hobbies
- Flowers, preferably not wrapped in plastic (as the coronavirus lives for extended periods on plastic)
- Commercially packaged or homemade food items that do not require refrigeration, such as biscuits, chips, chocolate, bottled drinks (including wine).
Please note: Items that are considered high-risk, such as soft cheese, cured meats, and anything requiring refrigeration, are not permitted.
Personal laundry can be collected and returned with prior arrangement.
Set drop off times have been arranged at each residential home. Please telephone reception to check.
On 10 April 2020, the State Government issued an updated Emergency Management Direction that included an additional subclause to allow a resident to leave the premises to attend the funeral of a member of a resident’s immediate family. The site Manager will consider the risk for the individual resident and others in the home, and how this might be facilitated.
The government now requires any person entering an aged care home to have had a 2020 influenza vaccination. In addition, by 1 May 2020, each person must be able to provide evidence of this vaccination.
After 1 May 2020, a person cannot enter a Resthaven home without a 2020 flu vaccination, even when end of life care is occurring.
These are difficult times for us all. We strive to work together with our site communities, and appreciate your support during these challenging times.