We are closely monitoring and following the advice of the Federal and State health authorities in regard to this situation. All of our employees are aware of the need to notify us should they have any concerns about the health of a client or themselves. To ensure the safety of our clients and staff, we have provided notification to all employees around the travel risk warnings in place and are closely monitoring this changing information.
Any of our employees who have recently returned from overseas travel or have a household member who has recently returned from overseas, are to self-isolate for 14 days from their return date.
We also instruct all employees not to attend work if they are feeling unwell and to visit their GP.Prestige has comprehensive infection prevention practices in place and provides personal protective equipment to our employees. All of our staff have done extra training to help them deal with the issues they face because of COVID-19, including hand hygiene, application and removal of personal protective equipment and practical strategies to help prepare and mitigate the impact of coronavirus.
Is it safe to have home care services provided by Prestige Inhome Care?
Yes. The government has released an information sheet for anyone who might be considering putting their home care on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic (or have already done so). The Department of Health advises Australians to keep up their regular home care and health care. This is just as important as protecting yourself from coronavirus. Prestige is continuing to follow the advice of the Federal and State health authorities in regard to this evolving situation, which is shared with our employees regularly so they can provide the best care for you or your loved one. Prestige care workers visiting your home are taking all necessary measures to ensure you stay safe.
To access the Government information sheet for older people who may have an aged care worker visiting them at home go to: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/its-ok-to-have-home-care Prestige Inhome Care has dedicated staff available to support you now in any way you need. Call our care specialist team on 1300 10 30 10 today to discuss how we can tailor care to best suit your needs.
Are Prestige in-home support services considered essential?
Yes, our in-home support services are recognised as essential for the community. We have the capacity toprovide assistance to you or your loved one at home immediately. Contact our team on 1300 10 30 10 toarrange a free in-home consultation.
What happens if I’ve had “close contact” with someone who has a “suspected case” of Coronavirusor if I live with someone who is getting tested for COVID-19?
Please contact the Prestige office on 1300 10 30 10 to discuss your situation. The World Health Organisation defines a “suspected case” of Coronavirus as when a person presents with both fever or acute respiratory infection and has been overseas in the last 14 days or has come in close contact with someone who has been overseas in the past 14 days.
The World Health Organisation defines “close contact” when a person has spent time greater than 15 minutes face to face or sharing of a closed space for more than 2 hours. An example of this is living in the same household, direct contact with body fluids or spending 2 hours or longer with a person in the same room.
You are also able to call the National Coronavirus Help Line on 1800 020 080 if you are worried. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What should I do if I have a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus in my household?
A “confirmed case” occurs when a medical test has been completed by a medical practitioner selected testingsite and it has returned positive. A GP cannot test for Coronavirus and anyone presenting a GP withsuspected Coronavirus will be redirected to a selected testing site. Testing sites are listed on the relevantstate’s Department of Health website.
If you are a Prestige client and you become aware of any suspected cases in your household, or have aconfirmed case of coronavirus, please contact us on 1300 10 30 10 or email us at:info@prestigeinhomecare.com.au immediately.You are also able to call the National Coronavirus Help Line on 1800 020 080 if you are worried.
What advice does Prestige have for aged care clients during the coronavirus pandemic?
The Department of Health has advised that people aged 70 years and over, people aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions, people with compromised immune systems, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50, are at greater risk of more serious illness if they are infected with coronavirus. Clients who fit into this category are strongly advised to stay at home during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please contact the Prestige office on 1300 10 30 10 if you are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on your health.