OneCare Limited has made some changes to the management of the current COVID-19 situation that has seen temporary lockdowns imposed at its facilities statewide.
These changes have been necessary to provide stability and guidance at a time when circumstances are rapidly changing.
Future potential risks of COVID-19 at a OneCare facility will be classified as either low risk or high risk, dependent upon the level of exposure and/or close contact scenario.
If a case is determined to be low risk, the following precautions will be taken:
- All staff will wear P2/N95 masks.
- A deep clean will be undertaken.
- Residents will be monitored for symptoms.
- Visitors will be allowed during normal visiting hours.
- Contractors and volunteers will be allowed on site as normal.
- All visitors, contractors and volunteers will be required to wear surgical masks at all times.
If a case is determined to be high risk:
- All staff will wear full PPE (Gowns, P2/N95 masks, face shields or goggles).
- A deep clean will be undertaken.
- Residents will be monitored for symptoms.
- Visitors will be restricted to those:
- providing end of life support for a resident at the facility; or
- providing support to a resident who is suffering from dementia or similar conditions and who is required to assist in reducing distress or confusion in the resident.
- Only essential maintenance contractors will be allowed on site.
- All volunteer programs will be suspended.
Following a review this morning, Rubicon Grove has now been reassessed as low risk.
Consequently:
- Visitors are welcome between 10.00 am to 12 noon; and 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm each day.
- All visitors will be provided with appropriate PPE that must be worn during their visit.
We do thank everyone for their support and patience during the lockdown at Rubicon Grove.
Subject to the level of exposure, OneCare’s response within the first 24 hours will remain consistent. We will add or reduce protective layers accordingly.
The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure all OneCare facilities are able to provide the highest quality care and support to all residents and their families during these uncertain times.
We understand temporary lockdowns can be distressing for both residents and their families. We assure you we are doing everything in our power to make these as temporary as possible and implemented for the sole purpose of maintaining the safety of our OneCare community.
Prior to visiting any OneCare facility, we would like everyone to be mindful of the severity of COVID-19 and the risks it poses to the health of our older and more vulnerable Tasmanians. Please ensure you abide by all public health directives:
- Do not visit when you have any symptoms or are unwell.
- Visit for shorter periods of time (e.g. up to an hour).
- Keep your mask on at all times (we encourage you to reconsider the need to eat and/or drink while visiting, but if required, please put your mask back on immediately).
- Be aware that you may be asked to wear additional PPE, depending on the current risk level
- (e.g. P2 masks, goggles and gown).
Importantly, all visitors must show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72-hours before entering the facility.
We greatly appreciate your assistance and support to reduce the risk of transmission in our facilities.
As we learn to live with COVID-19 over the coming weeks and months, our approach will continue to evolve in line with advice from Public Health and from the Aged Care Emergency Operations Centre (ACEOC).
In closing, I would like to urge everyone to please be patient, kind and understanding when contacting or visiting any of OneCare’s facilities. We are all human and are doing the best we can to navigate and manage an unprecedented and difficult situation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the team.
