Dear Residents, Families and Friends
This Sunday is a special day for many families. On this day we acknowledge and celebrate all fathers. Even though we cannot be together, it is important to keep the sentiment of Father’s Day in our thoughts.
COVID-19 has impacted us all, not least of which is our Yarraville Community. By way of an update, I can advise that we continue to work closely with the relevant Government agencies to develop a recovery and repatriation plan for residents and for the return of normal activities to the Home.
Testing continues for staff only and results from testing that took place this week were all COVID-19 negative. If this trend continues, and the next round of testing also returns negative results Doutta Galla will request a formal clearance for the Home from the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Public Health Unit (PHU) to move to what is called ‘enhanced surveillance’.
Achieving ‘enhanced surveillance’ will mean residents are able to move out of their rooms to have their meals in the dining room and to begin socialising. Staff would no longer need to wear full Protective Personal Equipment (PPE), however they will continue to wear a mask, a face shield and gloves whilst working with residents, and are expected to maintain strict hygiene protocols.
Residents who have previously tested ‘positive’ to COVID-19, are not required to be routinely tested however, will go through an individual ‘clearance’ process conducted by the Public Health Unit. Doutta Galla will also continue to pursue testing for residents to provide them with a full understanding of their health status.
By now many of you will have spoken to our new Manager Talya Goldsmith. Talya is working towards returning the Home to normal activities. With the stability of a new permanent Manager and with the return of our Yarraville staff, the weeks ahead will bring back familiar routines and joy into daily activities.
Our focus remains on strengthening the health and wellbeing of our residents and we continue to observe closely their emotional health and provide additional support where this is needed.
Each resident will be advised if there is a change to their health status as will their designated family member. Please call us on 9687 8233 if you have an enquiry or concern. The email address for written questions or concerns is covid19questions@dgas.org.au.
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.
Thankyou once again for your support during this challenging time.
Yours sincerely,
Vanda Iaconese
CEO
