Update from SummitCare on COVID-19

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has become a worldwide concern and continues to evolve on a daily basis. This is causing major disruptions to life and businesses across Australia and presents a very real threat to the health and wellbeing of our seniors across the country.

SummitCare continues to work with the Department of Health to prevent the spread of this virus into any of our aged care homes.

SummitCare introduced strict infection control measures to protect our residents and staff in our homes and we continue to work with the Department of Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the physical safety and wellbeing of our residents. Thanks to the efforts of our Care staff and Leadership teams, we are pleased to advise there are no cases of COVID-19 in our aged care homes at this time.

Recent Updates at SummitCare

In line with the recent announcements from the Prime Minister, SummitCare has introduced the following changes:

Visiting Hours – From Monday 23 March 2020 we introduced Essential visits only to our homes. Essential visits are classified as visits to residents who are in the final stages of palliation, visits to residents who have had a fall or have become unwell. These visits must be arranged with the General Managers and on a case by case basis.

We ask for your patience and understanding during these difficult times and we hope that you will work with us to protect your loved ones and not put excessive pressure on the teams caring for the residents.

We have purchased a large number of iPads in anticipation of this situation to facilitate communication with your loved ones via Skype or Google Hangout.

Temperature Checks – Upon entry into any SummitCare home, you will be required to have your temperature checked by reception staff or available registered nurse before proceeding further into the home.

Travel Restrictions – If you or a household member has been overseas within the last 14 days, we recommend that you do not visit a SummitCare facility. As there have been many cases of asymptomatic carriers of the virus, we will not risk the potential for the spread of COVID-19.

Children under 16 – Children under the age of 16 will no longer be permitted to enter a SummitCare home.

Social Activities – All external social activities have been suspended until further notice, activities will be conducted in the resident rooms or via social distancing techniques.

We understand that this is a time of uncertainty and concern, but wish to reassure you that SummitCare is doing everything within our ability to ensure your loved ones are safe, secure and that their mental health and wellbeing is a strong focus during this time of isolation.

What You Need to Do

With restricted access to all SummitCare homes, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work through this difficult time. We still wish for you to keep in touch with your loved ones in our homes and to address this our homes have adopted online video access via iPads, which you can use to video chat. Simply speak to your General Manager for information on how you can set this up with the resident.

SummitCare is in constant contact with the Government to ensure the latest information is passed along to you as it is received. We will continue to keep you informed of any changes or updates.

For information on COVID-19 please read this information fact sheet from the Australian Health Department – HERE

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