In this edition:
• Communication when a resident tests positive for COVID-19
• Operational update – Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
• SA health directions for workers
• Dementia behaviour support during COVID-19
• Dementia training
Resources:
• VACRC – Key contacts for families
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The high number of COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care homes in Victoria has reinforced the need for everyone working in the aged care sector to be alert and work collaboratively in responding to individual outbreaks.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission remains strongly engaged with aged care services experiencing an outbreak, exercising all our powers as the aged care regulator to minimise the risk to consumers and staff. As we monitor and support these services, the Commission is working closely with the Commonwealth Department of Health, the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre and Victorian health authorities.
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The Australian Government will provide an additional $31.9 million to create 15 mental health clinics across Victoria and further enhance essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian Government recognises the ongoing Victorian restrictions needed to stop the spread of the virus are having a significant impact on the mental health of individuals and communities in Victoria.
$26.9 million of the new funding will establish 15 dedicated mental health clinics across Victoria, with nine clinics in Greater Melbourne and six in regional Victoria.
The clinics will be located at existing GP clinics, headspace centres or other community sites where people usually access general health care. A list of these locations will be announced within the coming weeks.
The clinics will support GPs by providing access to multidisciplinary teams of mental health workers, including psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers, and alcohol and drug workers.
Read more:
NEW MENTAL HEALTH CLINICS TO SUPPORT VICTORIANS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 7) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 is now in effect.
The Direction outlines restrictions which impact a resident’s ability to leave residential aged care facilities, along with visitation rights to these facilities.
Read more:
Residential Aged Care Facilities No 7 (COVID-19) Direction (.pdf)
The NSW Government has ramped up its commitment to COVID safety, introducing a $5 million grants scheme to locally manufacture critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and create jobs.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro today launched the program to support domestic manufacturing of PPE in NSW by providing grants to local companies to help fund equipment, raw materials and recruitment of skilled staff.
“This scheme is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ramping up domestic manufacturing in NSW, developing regular supply and creating vital jobs to meet the long haul challenge of COVID-19,” Mr Barilaro said.
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Keeping aged care consumers engaged and healthy is an ongoing priority for all aged care providers, and has never been more important than it is now, during the pandemic. Nutrition deserves close attention in this regard.
Here are some simple steps to prevent, identify and manage malnutrition risk:
1. Screen for malnutrition risks
2. Continue dietitian visits
3. Social distance dining
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In its interim report, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified food as a major quality and safety issue. Improving food and the social elements of eating can reduce people’s needs for other aged care services.
The department is partnering with the Maggie Beer Foundation to deliver a National Congress on food, nutrition and the dining experience in aged care.
In preparation for the Congress, the Maggie Beer Foundation is conducting a Survey of Food, Nutrition and the Dining Experience in Australian Aged Care Homes.
Read more:
National Congress on food, nutrition and the dining experience in aged care
From all the staff at Management Advantage, we would like to wish you a safe and Happy Easter, especially in these difficult times.
Due to COVID-19 and the safety of our staff, the Management Advantage Office has been closed until further notice.
The Manad Plus Help Desk is now operating remotely and will be open and available for support on both public holidays:
• Good Friday (Friday 10th April)
• Easter Monday (Monday 13th April)
Please note, while the office is closed and the phones are no longer monitored, if you have any questions/issues, please email support@manad.com.au.
Remember to always use the self-help tools for assistance first. Go to: Help > Help Centre.
Standardised signs are available to all health service organisations wishing to increase the awareness of healthcare workers, patients and visitors to the necessary precautions to be applied for all patients (Standard Precautions) and for those patients who require Transmission-based Precautions, due to their known or suspected diagnosis.
The signage is available in several formats using both pictures and icons.
Contact and Droplet Precautions are recommended to prevent or limit transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings (except for aerosol generating procedures or critically ill patients with high volume/high frequency, prolonged care).
Most jurisdictions have co-badged signage available with state and territory co-branding
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A guide to assist Home Care and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Providers who provide care to older people living at home is now available on the department’s website. This guide provides information and guidance on how to stay safe from COVID-19 including how providers can prepare their organisation, equipment and resources, and how staff and clients can manage COVID-19.
Other resource are available to assist the sector including online training modules and a collection of guides and fact sheets. These are being updated as the situation evolves.
Read more:
Management Advantage Pty Ltd
Suite 2, 430 Rae Street
Fitzroy North
VIC 3068
1300 62 62 32
info@manad.com.au