News
Mallee Track Residential Aged Care closed to the public
Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:21:00
Residential aged care facilities in Ouyen and Sea Lake are now closed to all visitors as Mallee Track Health and community Service (MTHCS) steps up measures to protect our most vulnerable from COVID-19.
Access will be for staff only.
MTHCS CEO Lois O’Callaghan said families were advised prior to the lock-down on Friday April 3rd and were able to visit their loved ones to make arrangements.
“This was a difficult decision, but we know that older people and those with pre-existing chronic illness are more susceptible to the coronavirus and less able to fight off the infection.
“We acknowledge the distress and anxiety of the residents and their families and we are working on ways to support them and ease these impacts.
“Families are staying in touch with residents by phone and webchat.
Nurse Unit Manager Nicole Magnisalis said family and friends can still leave items at this stage, but were being asked to phone ahead and make arrangements for drop-offs with nursing home staff.
“These items must be things that can be easily cleaned with a disinfectant wipe by staff before handing them on safely to your family member. This is a great time to get creative in messaging loved ones and using virtual messaging such as Facetime and texts.
“We understand the disruption to their daily routines is confusing and upsetting for many of the residents.
“It is also challenging for staff and the health service is providing ongoing training and support,” she explained.
Ms Magnisalis urged carers, family and friends to reassure residents and explain the importance of social distancing and isolation.
“Reassure in an open and honest way. Keep in touch by phone or video chat. Ensure residents have enough supplies and are staying active. Explain the importance of social distancing and isolation for the sake of their own health and the health of others.
“Acknowledge feelings of anxiety and distress where residents are being asked to modify their routines and activities,” she added.
Ms O’Callaghan said the community had been extremely supportive of the lock-down.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank community members for their support and encouragement. We are doing our best to quickly disseminate information and welcome feedback on the information we are providing and whether there are other topics people would like to hear about.
“To everyone who is doing the right thing and setting a great example, we thank you.
Ms O’Callaghan said the Board has also sent a formal message of thanks to staff for their exemplary work on the front-line.
“They are risking their own heath, and the health of their families, to keep our local communities safe and we can’t emphasise strongly enough the importance of following the government’s health advice and staying at home when you can to minimise the spread of COVID-19,” she added.
Accurate information is available daily on the Department of Health and Human services website at to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) call the dedicated coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Pictured:
• Nurse Unit Manager Mrs Nicole Magnisalis and
• Ouyen staff model social distancing.