Covid Alert Level 3 – Update
Dear residents, families and friends
As advised by the Prime Minister yesterday, Auckland remains at level 3 for another two weeks with a further review on Monday 1st November 2021.
The Ministry of Health has advised that all aged residential care facilities are to remain locked down as if we are in alert level 4, during Auckland’s alert level 3.
We know and understand how frustrating this is and the high degree of distress for residents and families, but we must continue to safeguard our most vulnerable residents and staff.
Some information and a few friendly reminders:
STAFF VACCINATIONS
As you may be aware, it will be mandatory for all staff in Aged Residential Care to be fully vaccinated by 1st December.
The good news is that 99% of our staff have been fully vaccinated and we will be fully compliant by 1st December 2021.
CAN I VISIT THE FACILITY?
No, at present there are no general family visits allowed under alert level 3, due to increased risk for residents and staff.
Again, the only exception to this will be the families of residents in palliative care or who are in end of life care and who are approved to visit by the Clinical Manager.
These visitors will be required to follow careful protocols for Infection, Prevention and Control, strict hygiene, wellness, and social distancing.
It is now mandatory for visitors, staff and contractors to sign in upon entry.
You will need to scan the QR code and sign in using our new software.
CAN I SEND CARE PACKAGES?
Yes, you can now send your loved one something nice but only via courier delivery.
All packages received by courier will be sanitised before being passed onto your loved one.
Please do not come to the facility and drop of packages, as this is outside of the level 3 restrictions, and you will be turned away.
If your loved one requires anything that cannot be couriered, please let us know and we’ll see what we can do.
Now is not the time to drop our guard and the measures that we have put in place are for the benefit our residents and staff.
VIDEO CALLING TO STAY CONNECTED
Don’t forget, we have the use of technology for you to communicate with your loved ones using video calling.
We have set up video calling using FaceTime, Viber, WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom via AgedConnect as a way of staying connected.
This will work as follows:
- Please ring the facility to obtain a timeslot between 9.30am and 2.30pm (Monday to Friday) and provide your contact details and preferred contact method.
- 30-minute time slots will be available
- Activities staff will make the call to you at the allocated time
- Calls will be limited to 15 minutes
Please be assured that you’re loved ones are being look after superbly by my fantastically dedicated staff.
If you have any concerns regarding their wellbeing, please contact the Manager directly.
I will keep you updated if there are any further changes.
We are here to help, so please let us know if you have any queries or concerns.
Here’s hoping life can get back to some sort of normal soon and we can enjoy a lockdown free Christmas and summer.
Keep well and be safe.
Kind regards
ALLAN SARGEANT
OWNER / CEO