At Prestige, the safety and care of all our clients and employees is paramount, and we are committed to working with you or your loved one to safeguard against health risks. We are regularly following the advice of Federal and State health authorities in regard to this situation. We are also monitoring any health issues alerts that provide warning on disease outbreaks. Furthermore, we will ensure that our carers practise good hand hygiene, wear masks and as far as possible, adhere to 1.5m physical distancing.
The Victorian government has announced the short circuit lockdown rules will ease on Thursday, 17 of June at 11.59pm.
What are the new rules for Melbourne?
There will be no visits to residential aged care facilities state-wide, unless it is for end-of-life visits.
All businesses can now re-open such as gyms and indoor entertainment venues. The number of people visiting religious, hospitality and entertainment facilities will increase.
In addition, restrictions in regional Victoria will ease. These include public gatherings of up to 50 people, five visitors to a home per day, funerals can have up to 100 people and religious gatherings will be limited to 300 people.
Click here to view more information about Victoria’s latest Covid-19 restrictions.
The Australian government’s Covid-19 vaccination program began in Victoria on 22 February 2021. As part of the national vaccination rollout strategy, Phase 1b starts on Monday 22 March.
Based on the recommendations by the Australian Technical Advisory Group, those who are eligible for a vaccination under Phase 1b include:
For more information about eligibility and where you can get your vaccination, click here.
Updated news on Covid vaccination
Following the National Cabinet’s meeting on Thursday 22 April, the national Covid-19 vaccine rollout has been recalibrated to align with recent advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). All governments have agreed that:
As part of the recalibrated rollout plan, the AstraZeneca vaccine will be made available to all people aged 50 or over through GP-led Respiratory Clinics and state and territory clinics from 3 May 2021. The AstraZeneca vaccine will be made available to all people aged 50 or over through our network of general practices from 17 May 2021.
The department has produced the attached factsheet and infographics for you and those you are care for, to explain how workers and recipients of in-home and community aged care services can get a Covid-19 vaccination.
Click here for Vaccination Infographic for Inhome Care Workers
Click here for Vaccination Infographic for Inhome Care Recipients
In-home and community aged care workers 50 years and over can access an AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine at a:
Please note: AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual, and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.
Click here for FAQs on How Carers and Care Recipients Can Get Covid Vaccination
For Victorians
For NSW
The NSW government announced on Thursday 17 of June that face masks are mandatory on public transport in Greater Sydney. As of Sunday 20 of June at 4pm, this will include Wollongong and Shellharbour.
Face masks are mandatory in retail shops, supermarkets, theatres, aged care facilities and those who are front-of-house hospitality staff. This applies to the following areas:
The NSW government also recommends people to wear face masks in pub, bars and restaurants. Face masks are not compulsory in schools.
Updated as of 18 June 2021: The NSW government has identified a cluster of COVID cases in its eastern suburbs. The government has also provided a list of exposure sites on its website.
It is recommended you regularly check the NSW case locations and see if you need to get tested and self-isolate as the list of venues concerned will be updated as investigations continue. Click here to view the NSW Health website.
The NSW Ministry of Health states from 12.01am Monday 17 May, COVIDSafe measures will be relaxed in Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains).
You can have up to 100 visitors at a time in your home. However, if you have more than 100 people gathering at your home you must have a Covid-19 Safety Plan in place and make it available for inspection if requested. This also applies to holiday homes and short-term rentals.
Face masks are mandatory in airports and during a domestic commercial flight. The NSW government strongly recommends wearing a mask in places where you cannot physically social distance. For example in public transport and in shops.
For more information visit the NSW Ministry of Health website.
Prestige remains committed to the safety and well being of all our staff and the clients we support. All of our care workers visiting clients’ homes are taking all necessary measures to ensure you stay safe.
This information sheet from the Department of Health explains the steps that aged care workers are taking to protect you from coronavirus (COVID-19).
At Prestige, we continue to follow this advice from the Department of Health and all other government guidelines as part of our ongoing measures to safeguard our clients, staff and community.
Visit the Department of Health’s It’s OK to have in-home care information sheet here.
If you or any household members have a fever, cold/flu symptoms, or have had contact with any suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, please call our office immediately on 1300 10 30 10 to notify us and reschedule services.
All Prestige clients are urged to read our latest letter on our Coronavirus Response: Click Here
Our nurses and carers are fully trained in infection control and prevention procedures, including good hand hygiene.
All our staff will be screening each client prior to visiting and if a client or member of the household is unwell, we’ll work with our clients to reschedule their care.
We have encouraged all our staff to get the annual flu vaccination and encourage you and your loved ones to get vaccinated to help reduce the spread of influenza.
Prestige has comprehensive infection prevention practices in place and provides personal protective equipment to our employees. We continue to adhere to:
all aiding to mitigate the impact of the virus.
At Prestige, we have had one confirmed case of coronavirus with a staff member to date. Thanks to our strict infection control procedures, it has not spread to any of our clients or other staff members. Our staff member is recovering well, but this acts as a reminder of the importance of our infection control and prevention procedures and working together to stop the spread.
The Department of Health has mandated PPE that must be worn by all health and community care workers across Victoria and areas in New South Wales. Masks must be worn for all staff across Victoria and New South Wales. We have provided all necessary PPE to our care workers, including surgical masks and gloves.
Click on the Download button below to view a handy infosheet from the Department of Health listing six steps you can take and hygiene practice you can follow in your own home to help stop the spread.
The Australian Government has launched a new COVID-19 training program at https://covid-19training.gov.au/. This training is for care workers across all settings, including aged care (both in residential aged care facilities or with visiting carers at home, including cleaners and cooks).
Our staff have been provided with masks and we will continue to do so, until otherwise advised by the Department of Health.
How does a face mask stop the spread of infection?
A face mask acts as a simple barrier to help prevent droplets from travelling into the air, onto surfaces or onto other people when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. COVID-19 can still be spread from an infected person who is asymptomatic. This is why the we are now enforcing everyone to wear one; protecting others from yourself.
How to put on a medical face mask?
How to remove a face mask?
Medical face masks should be thrown out if they become wet, soiled or damaged.
If you are wearing a cloth mask you should wash your mask in hot water every day, but if your mask is clean and remains dry, you can store it in a clean, resealable plastic bag.
Prestige continues to receive updates on resources and advice from the Federal and State health authorities. It is vital we safeguard our providers of in-home care in order to minimise infection-related risks. As information is provided we constantly share it with our employees so they can provide the best care for you or your loved one.
The Australian Government has a prepared information sheet for recipients of home care services. It outlines that we must implement standard and transmission‑based precautions to prevent and control infection, advice on preparing equipment, cleaning and working with recipients in care.
We are clearly communicating to our staff that monitoring their own health will help ensure our clients are protected and safe, and frequently notifying them of any change to processes and priorities.
To access the Government information sheet for health care face to face: Click Here
Prestige is reviewing its clinical governance processes and how they apply to the current situation, which may change rapidly. We have adopted a systematic approach to maintain and improve the quality of our clients’ care. We have also identified any staff members in risk groups and/or unable to deliver face-to-face care (depending on the individual circumstance). We are mindful of keeping records of training relating to infection prevention and control, and identified moments of hand hygiene.
To view the latest COVID-19 health alert from the Department of Health click here.
Despite the success in suppressing the virus, the Victorian outbreak has shown that social distancing rules must be maintained at least until a vaccine or effective treatment is found.
Relative to those in care, the Government has also provided guidelines for maintaining good hygiene and, the access and use of PPE. Prestige provides PPE to their carers to protect them from infection while caring for someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as well as information regarding the Do’s and Don’ts of wearing a face mask.
Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support to senior Australians, their families and carers. Call Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am to 6pm.
The government has a helpful Factsheet for Older Australians on COVID-19: Click Here
For more information on government advice for older people: Click Here
The situation for Australia often changes. Now, each state and territory governments have different restrictions in place. Please take the time to visit the website relevant to your state or territory for more information.
Although, special restrictions still remain in place for aged care facilities to protect older Australians (revised 21 April) by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). Click here
The COVIDSafe app, which is part of the Australian government’s work to slow the spread of COVID-19, provides up to date information and advice. Take advantage of checking your symptoms, getting information and urgent updates (such as the quick containment of an outbreak or revised restrictions) and finds close contacts of COVID-19 cases. The app speeds up the current manual process of finding people who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19. This means you’ll be contacted more quickly if you are at risk and reduces the chances of you passing on the virus to your family, friends and other people in the community.
This app is entirely voluntary and downloading the app is something you can do to protect you, your family and friends and save the lives of other Australians.
Prestige has comprehensive infection prevention practices in place and provides personal protective equipment to our employees. We continue to adhere to:
The Australian Government has launched a new COVID-19 training program at https://covid-19training.gov.au/. This training is for care workers across all settings, including aged care (both in residential aged care facilities or with visiting carers at home, including cleaners and cooks).
Avoid leaving your house for any non-essential activity.
Stay at home unless you are:
Medical services, supermarkets, banks, petrol stations, postal and home delivery services remain open.
Symptoms of coronavirus include:
If you are sick and think you might have coronavirus, seek medical help.
You can call the National Coronavirus Helpline for information.
If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
Always practise good hygiene, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, cover your coughs, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Maintain social distance of at least 1.5 metres when outside your home.
Try and …
Note – there are revised restrictions for:
Prestige have trained staff who will enable you or your loved one to continue to live self-sufficiently with comfort while living at home for longer, without compromising privacy, safety or personal attention.
Our team of care providers visiting your home are taking all the necessary measures to ensure you and your loved one stay safe. This includes following advice from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer about when to use protective equipment.
At Prestige we adhere to
medical advice to protect you, your loved one and themselves.
Further, we have been instructed that most of the time our staff are not required to wear personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, aprons or gowns, and protective eyewear. However, personal protective equipment must be worn if:
Any of our staff displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are NOT allowed to work and our testing procedures have been paramount.
Prestige staff, through our inhome support services can provide:
As we move towards a COVIDSafe Australia, it is important for people at greater risk of serious illness if they get COVID-19 to take extra steps to protect themselves.
You or your loved one should maintain good hygiene and take care when interacting with other people. The best defences includes:
Remember, it’s important to still feel connected, happy and healthy in your own home, as well as keeping up normal daily routines, (eating well, drinking enough water, exercising and sleeping well).
Also, stay connected with your family, friends and your local community. Using technology like phone, email or social media. This can more difficult for our aged clients, which is why we have care workers who regularly visit to improve their quality of life.
It is also important to get a daily dose of fresh air and vitamin D, whether you’re out and about, down the street, private yard or balcony. Keep your mental health strong!
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about COVID-19 virus. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.
For further information: your questions answered; travel advice; situation reports; media resources; research and development; strategy and planning; operations; and mythbusters. Click here
Department of Health Coronavirus Health Alert
Department of Health Advice for the Health and Aged care sector
Department of Health Fact sheet for Older Australians
If you have any questions or concerns, our team are available to support you 24/7 on 1300 10 30 10
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