Become a Partner in Care

We have introduced our Partner in Care program to enable visitors to continue to visit our aged care and disability homes as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A partner in care is a person who has a close and continuing relationship with one of our care home residents, such as a family member, loved one, friend or representative.

We recognise the important contributions family and friends make to the wellbeing and safety of residents in our care homes, and our Partner in Care program allows for ongoing regular contact between residents, family and friends.

The program is available to all Brightwater residents, and each resident will be able to have one nominated partner in care.

What will I assist with?

As a partner in care, you will frequently and regularly visit a person living or staying in a residential aged care service to provide aspects of regular routine care and companionship to that person.

There are a broad range of activities that you may undertake with your loved one, including:

  • Personal care
  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Grooming
  • Massage
  • Assistance with meals
  • Leisure activities e.g. reading, music
  • Access to and supervision in outdoor spaces or the community
  • Companionship, conversation and social engagement
  • Meaningful support when care recipients are nearing the end of their life
  • Culturally specific and individually appropriate support
  • Other activities that the partner in care would normally undertake as part of their regular visits

How will I be supported?

We will support you with training to ensure you feel confident in your role as a partner in care.

This will start with an online training course that covers safe infection control practices, including:

  • How to don (put on) and doff (take off) personal protective equipment
  • What to do when you arrive for your visit
  • Directions to keep yourself and your loved one safe while visiting
  • Privacy and screening on arrival

Once complete, you will have the opportunity to attend a virtual Q&A session with the Brightwater team, where you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your role and responsibilities as a partner in care.

Once you are ready for your visit you will be supported by a Brightwater staff member, who will help you to don and doff safely before heading into the care home. They will also pass on any additional information you need to know to keep yourself safe, including any updated COVID-19 directions or information from State or Federal health.

When will my role as a Partner in Care begin?

Once you apply, and have completed your training you will be able to visit a Brightwater home that has been closed to visitors. It is important that on your first visit as a partner in care you are orientated to the COVID-19 protocols that have been put in place for residents, staff and your own safety.

Express your interest now

If you are interested in being a partner in care and receiving training to perform this role if there were to be an outbreak in your loved one's home, register your interest by completing the form below, or call 1300 223 968.