2 October 2020

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I am pleased to let you know that COVID-19 test results received today following testing that occurred yesterday 1 October, have all returned negative results.  We can now be sure we have eliminated the spread of the virus in the Home.

As you know we require all residents to be cleared of COVID-19 from the Public Health Unit (PHU) to enable us to return the Home to normal daily routines where residents can move outside of their rooms for meals and socialisation.

We continue to work with the PHU and the Department of Health to schedule the final testing round, which will then determine the steps to ‘enhanced surveillance’.  Enhanced surveillance is the period before the Home is fully cleared.  During the ‘enhanced surveillance’ period residents will be able to move around the Home and return to normal daily routines.

Returning to life as it was prior to the COVID19 outbreak is something we are all looking forward to.  The return of our regular Woornack staff to the Home continue to be very pleasing and a great comfort to residents.

Although we always take seriously the provision of nutritious and delicious meals for residents, we have heightened our support to encourage more opportunities for residents to enjoy meals.  We continue to focus on maintaining their physical health and have increased physiotherapy sessions for residents.  We also have a social worker on site to help residents with their emotional wellbeing.

Please call the Home if you have any questions about your family member’s wellbeing. Telephone and video conferencing will continue, as well if any resident requires family visits for compassionate reasons, this can be arranged with the Home Manager.

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.

Please contact the Home on 9312 0111 if you or your family member have any questions or concerns.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via the email address covid19questions@dgas.org.au.  A reminder again to pass this letter onto other family members or refer them to the Doutta Galla website www.dgas.org.au/coronavirus-updates/.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO