Residential Aged Care
AGED CARE COVID-19 INFORMATION
Visiting Aged Care Facilities (released by DHHS 24 Nov 2020)
Visits are now allowed at all Victorian residential aged care facilities.
However, there are still measures in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in an aged care facility. Please be aware that individual facilities may implement additional safety measures regarding visitations.
Please CLICK HERE! for further details
Face Shields (26 Nov 2020)
Please carefully read the email below from the Department (state) regarding the wearing of face shields….. YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR THEM ANYMORE EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS IN QUARANTINE OR WHO ARE A CLOSE CONTACT OF A POSITIVE CASE….
“Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for aged care workers – update
In the changing coronavirus (COVID-19) environment, guidelines for infection prevention and control measures to prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) are continually monitored and adjusted.
This includes moving to a risk-based approach for PPE requirements. This means when we have higher levels of cases we can quickly increase protection. Having the correct levels of PPE, as well as other strategies like hand hygiene and physical distancing, will ensure that healthcare and aged care workers are protected from infection.
The updated DHHS advice for aged care workers is that eye protection (a face shield or goggles) is not currently required unless caring for a resident who is classified as a close contact and is in quarantine or for a resident who is in isolation with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
This approach is consistent with, and builds on, National aged care statements and guidelines reviewed and endorsed by the AHPPC and Infection Control Expert Group developed to guide the Australian residential aged care sector response to COVID-19 and protect residents of residential aged care facilities who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
Please don’t hesitate to contact SAC.COVID@dhhs.vic.gov.au if you have any questions. “
COVID-19 Project Management Office, Health & Wellbeing Division,Department of Health and Human Services,50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3001 … www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Mental Health Support for the Aged Care Sector
On Monday 27 July 2020, industry released The Guiding Principles for residential aged care – keeping Victorian residents and workers safe (the Principles) with the support of Government, peak bodies and unions.
Support is available to aged care workers whose regular working arrangements have changed as a result of the Principles. These workers can get free counselling services from Converge International.
CLICK HERE! for information regarding services that have been implemented to support the aged care sector staff.
Taking a resident home from residential aged care in an outbreak
- This DHHS factsheet is for residential aged care facilities (RACF) in Victoria.
During an outbreak in a RACF, sometimes residents and their families request that the resident be cared for at home. This information is for residents, families, carers, representatives and RACF providers to help guide their decision making.
Educational Materials on the NIKI T34 Syringe Driver (14 August 2020)
- T34™ 3rd ed. Syringe Pump Reference Guide for Homecare
- Subcutaneous Starter Kits
- NIKI T34 Presentation
- How to access and self-register BD T34 e-learning with REM SYSTEMS
Updated Guidelines on PPE ( 3 August 2020)
There is updated guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services on the correct usage and type of PPE to be worn by all healthcare workers.
- It is critical that you all read this information and download
- Further information can be found here … COVID-19 – A guide to the conventional use of PPE (DHHS 31 July 2020)
Personal Protective Equipment
- Advice on use of PPE/ Masks in RACFs 13 July 2020 … CLICK HERE!
- Where to get PPE when there is a suspected/ confirmed case of COVID-19. Please send an email to the following address detailing the outbreak in your facility… agedcareCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au
- Online training for the correct use and fitting of PPE … CLICK HERE!
RACF COVID-19 SCREENING TOOL
- RACF Covid 19 screening tool including implementation and data collection kits. (accessed 14.7.2020)
- Basic Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 positive residents
- COVID-19 RACF Checklist (developed by SMRPCC)
Other Information
- Code of Guidance for Visiting RACFs (6.7.2020)
Online Infection Control Training
- COVID-19 online training – Australian Government
- Infection Control Training – 10 Modules. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare
Further Information and Resources
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter No 8, 26 August 2020
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter No 7, 30 July 2020
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter No 6, 24 July 2020
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter & Resources No 5, 13 July 2020
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter & Resources No 4, 3 July 2020
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter No 3, 10 Apr 2020
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter No 2, 2 Apr 2020
- COVID-19 RACF Newsletter No 1, 27 Mar 2020
- RACF Resources, 5 May 2020

Sustainability
- A Link Nurse Network has been established to share ideas and resources across RACFs via PATSI meetings
- Linkages with Key Stakeholders to ensure shared resources and common goals and identify activities that support the implementation of the processes
- Ongoing training on ‘Palliative Approach’ is planned for facilities across the Southern Region and expressions of interest
- The website will continue to post relevant links, resources and information
Current Activities
The current aged care project worker is Jane Newbound.
Jane has extensive experience in the aged care sector and is currently approaching facilities in the Southern Metropolitan region to participate in the Deceased Resident File Audit Project.
Jane is contactable via the following:
Email: jane.newbound@smrpcc.org.au
Mobile: 0433418010
Currently the consortium has a focus on supporting RACFs to review their current practices around the provision of palliative care. The Deceased Resident File Audit assists facilities to develop their auditing skills. By reviewing the files of deceased residents, facilities can identify their current practice standards and opportunities for improvement.
In addition, the project worker can assist facilities to review their documentation, policies and procedures, resources and educational requirements. In addition, the relationship with specialist palliative care and residential in-reach teams can be strengthened.
On site education and support can be offered to project participants, with the intended outcome of improved palliative experiences for residents, family and staff.
Resources
To view Aged Care resources CLICK HERE!