12 February 2021

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

Re: Visitor Restrictions

As of midnight tonight Friday 12 February 2021, until midnight Wednesday 17 February 2021, visitors will not be permitted entry into Doutta Galla Homes.  For this period, only staff and essential services personnel will be able to enter the home.  Volunteers, students and the hairdressing service will also be put on hold for this period.

Although these restrictions may cause inconvenience to our residents, families and visitors, all Residential Aged Care Homes in Victoria have been instructed to put them in place by State Government, supported by the Commonwealth minister.  Some Homes will be able to reintroduce window ‘chat’ visits, however a reminder that Stage 4 restrictions include the “stay at home’ requirement for non-essential movements are in place.

Our priority remains the safety of our residents and staff.  We understand this is disappointing for all our residents, families and staff, however we know that these actions aim to protect the most vulnerable in our community, including those who live in our Homes.

These ongoing communications from me are usually only sent to the resident and the nominated resident representative or family members who have been asked to be put on the mailing list.  Can you please pass on this message to others in your family or anyone who was planning to visit over the weekend who may not receive these letters directly from me.  All of my general communications, including previous letters from me, are available on the Doutta Galla website at https://www.dgas.org.au/coronavirus-updates/ and can be accessed at any time.

If you or your family would like more support during this difficult time, please reach out to OPAN (Older Persons Advisory Network) on 1800 237 981.  They are available 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.  The other organisation that can assist you is Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria who can be reached on 1800 171 866 for support and advice.

We continue to monitor closely all of our residents every day, and if there is any change to a resident’s health status, we will let them, and you know immediately.

If there is any changes to visitor arrangements we will advise you as soon as possible. Please contact the Home if there is a need for exceptional circumstances and compassionate family visits.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this unfolding situation.  I urge us all to take care.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO