The Victorian Government has reinstated Stage 3 stay at home restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire due to a recent increase in coronavirus cases. We encourage everyone to adhere to these restrictions.
These restrictions came into effect on the 8th July for 6 weeks.
All staff who work in residential aged care facilities or provide in-home care support in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire are required to wear surgical masks when providing close personal or clinical care. This is in addition to all other infection control and staff screening measures already put in place in the aged care sector to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As of Wednesday 15th July 2020, Kirkbrae will implement some further visitation changes to minimise the possibility of the transmission of COVID-19 to our residents and staff.
Visiting shall be reduced to essential visits and visits for compassionate grounds when a resident is terminally ill. These are in line with State imposed restrictions and as per the guideline by the Victorian Department of Health.
Essential visits will also be reduced to 1 person for 1 hour per day.
Also, in line with Department of Health recommendations, all visitors to residential aged care are required to wear a face mask. This is to assist in containing the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and helping to protect our residents, staff, and visitors.
We are asking all visitors to wear a mask when they enter the facility and remove their mask when they exit, disposing of them within the yellow receptacles used for this purpose.
Visitors are encouraged to wear their own masks if they prefer. A mask shall be provided to you if you do not have your own face mask. Staff will assist with correct fitting and disposal as required.
All visits and screening will continue to be made in advance by calling Kirkbrae on (03) 9724 5200. Visiting hours are limited to 11.00am to 7.00pm, 7 days a week and entry will continue to be through Banksia House.
Visitors are reminded that they cannot stay in communal areas and visits are strictly conducted in residents’ rooms with 1.5 metres physical distancing in place.
Over the coming days there will be further precautions implemented for residents and staff. As these progress and further information evolves, we will keep you informed.
We understand that there will be a few exceptions which will require visitors to come to the Kirkbrae aged care facility. This can only occur with the prior approval of a Care Supervisor or Facility Manager who will explain the conditions under which this can occur. Please contact them before coming to Kirkbrae by calling 9724 5200.
To provide ongoing contact with your loved ones in aged care, Kirkbrae has put in place iPads with Skype access so that your social contact with residents continues. If you wish to book a Skype session, please contact Lifestyle on 9724 5200. Window visits can also be arranged where you can see your loved ones but
not actually enter the facility. Don’t forget a telephone call, a letter,card or gift are also appreciated by all residents.
We are again reluctant to impose these additional restrictions, as we understand that contact with a family member or friend is vital to the wellbeing of both of you. However, we are very concerned about the rampant nature and dangerous character of this virus, as we have observed in other aged care facilities.
Please pass this information onto other family members or friends of the resident. Once the threat of local community transmission has reduced, you will be advised about the removal of the additional restrictions.
Lyn Kleehammer
Residential Care Facility Manager
