Tate Papworth
Aged care facilities across Brimbank are striving to keep their residents connected to loved ones amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The elderly are the most vulnerable in terms of mortality when it comes to the virus and as such retirement villages have gone into lockdown.
Arcare Sydenham head of marketing Matt Archdall said a number of strict protocols have been implemented.
“All team members and all clients have daily temperature checks. We also have oversight of all the sick leave that team members are taking and the reason why.
“Reports are being generated and interrogated daily. Any team member who has taken leave because of flu-like symptoms will be contacted before their scheduled return and appropriate action taken if necessary,“ he said.
Arcare has implemented a precautionary lockdown and is not accepting visitors at any of our residences unless under exceptional circumstances.
Mr Archdall said the centre was striving to keep residents connected to loved ones.
“Residents that did not previously have phones in their suite have been given one and every client now has their own phone,“ he said.
“We have our own Arcare app that allows family and friends to send sms, pictures and videos to residents.
“In addition, emails from family and friends are being printed and read to residents as soon as they arrive.“
In additions to technological steps, staff are also doing their best to keep the mood light.
“It’s hard for residents not to see their loved ones and we are working hard to ensure they don’t get down during this time by doing more and more activities to keep them busy and happy,“ Mr Archdall said.
“Some of our lifestyle coordinators are making up activity packs with puzzles, crosswords colouring pages and pencils and chocolate.
“We’ve also had a Melbourne school reach out to run a pen pal program that we’re hoping to get up and running as soon as possible.“
