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)

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.

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

Other Information

Online Infection Control Training

Further Information and Resources

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!