We wanted to let our Brightwater At Home clients know we are still here and to reassure you that the health and wellbeing of our clients is our absolute priority.
We are continuing to take all proactive steps to keep you safe, including:
- Ensuring all of our carers follow strict infection control procedures
- Providing our staff with ongoing and up to date training on infection control and COVID-19
- Ensuring any staff member who is unwell does not come to work, including anyone who has a high temperature with staff asked to monitor their temperatures each day
- Having strategies around working with you, our clients, if you become unwell and being able to deliver some of your services in flexible ways. This includes continuing with domestic assistance services whilst you remain in another room, running errands for you or using technology to talk with you.
- Having plans in place to ensure continuity of essential services to you
- Ensuring the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) is available for our staff when needed (i.e. if you are unwell)
- Ensuring all of our staff have had a flu vaccination.
Please also note the following:
- Carers may be different. During this time you may see a number of different carers, or your usual carer may be unavailable. This is because we are strictly enforcing the rule that carers who have any signs of sickness remain at home, to help minimise the spread of any illness, including COVID-19.
- Carers will be practicing social distancing. The Australian Government asks us to allow 4sqm of space for each person indoors, that people maintain a distance of 1.5m between them, and that handshakes and physical contact are to be avoided. Please understand that during this time your carer will need to abide by these rules.
- Inform us if you get sick. Please tell us straight away if you become unwell with any respiratory issues, even if you have not travelled interstate or overseas. Symptoms of COVID-19 include sore throat, fever, dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms and have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 please seek medical assistance. This does not mean we will remove our services to you, but we will come up with a way that we can deliver those services to you safely.
- Self-quarantine for a period of 14 days after returning from overseas travel or after being in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVD-19.
- Use good hygiene by regularly washing your hands with soap and water, or hand sanitiser. If you sneeze or cough, please do so into your arm or if using a tissue, please dispose of it and wash your hands immediately afterwards.
- Have your seasonal flu shot. As we are entering the flu season, a flu shot will boost your immunity.
- Stay informed because the situation is changing rapidly. Please stay up-to-date by regularly visiting the Australian Government Department of Health website health.gov.au or asking us more.
A useful resource
Leading Aged Services Australia, together with the Older Persons Advocacy Network, has produced this informative 5 minute video featuring Doctor Norman Swan who answers five key questions around how you can keep safe during COVID-19. You can watch it here.
Thank you for your cooperation and support. We are here to support you through this time.
If you have any further questions, please email us at [email protected] and we will ensure the most appropriate person responds to you.
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