Individual residents may leave the facility, including to attend small family gatherings. In WA, there is currently no limit specified for the size of the gatherings, but physical distancing (maintaining 1.5 metres between individuals) and hygiene measures should be carefully followed. A risk assessment must also be completed for every outing so please discuss with the Care Team at your facility.

In the event a resident is deemed to not have the capacity to make their own decisions in wishing to leave the facility, consent from their nominated representative must be attained as part of the risk assessment and authority.

Small group excursions may also take place but please be reassured that residents will not be visiting locations where there are mass gatherings.

If your loved one receives a positive test result, their nominated representative will be immediately called and they will receive daily phone health updates from a Clinical Manager at the facility. Families of all other residents will also be contacted.

For privacy reasons, we cannot provide health updates to anyone other than a nominated representative. It is important all family members understand who has been nominated as their loved one’s representative and that we have their current contact details including mobile phone and email address.

We know it will be a difficult time for all our residents and their extended families. We will activate dedicated communication channels including Zoom and email to provide general updates and information.

After the initial announcement, regular updates will not be posted by mail given the significant delay in delivery times and the potential for sensitive information to become out of date and inaccurate. Anyone can subscribe to receive electronic updates by visiting baptistcare.com.au/update

We believe it is in the best interests of all residents and employees for any COVID-positive resident to be immediately transferred to a dedicated specialist medical facility to receive treatment.

Since March, CEOs from six of WA’s larger aged care providers, including Baptistcare, have been working collaboratively with the WA Department of Health and Commonwealth Government. Collectively, we are asking the State Government to confirm there will be the capacity to immediately transfer a resident with COVID-19 to a specialist medical facility.

We will discuss any care treatment plans with the resident, their representative, their GP and WA Public Health.

Any COVID-positive residents and any residents considered to be close contacts will be isolated to dedicated rooms.

Residents who are not COVID-positive may be able to move around the facility’s wings, using healthy hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing. Several factors will be considered before deciding whether this option is available to residents and the COVID-19 State Incident Controller will be involved in decision making.

To minimise any risk to other residents, COVID-positive residents may be moved so they can be cared for in an isolated wing of the facility. This may require other residents to be relocated.

Please be assured any room changes will be handled sensitively, protecting the personal items of individuals and made in consultation and under the direction of the Manager Residential Care. A deep clean and decontamination of any affected areas will be completed prior to any changes.

We have created PPE stockpiles throughout metropolitan and regional areas. All facilities have a supply of PPE for immediate use in the event of an outbreak.

Care of COVID-positive residents will be provided by our team wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) – surgical mask, gloves, eye protection and gown.

Residents will undergo testing as directed by WA Public Health.

Once an outbreak has been confirmed, the facility will enter a mandated lockdown to enable us to single mindedly focus on resident needs and minimise any further risk to our residents, employees and the wider community.

There will be exceptional circumstances (end-of-life care) where visitors may be allowed entry and these will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your Manager Residential Care.

We will work to ensure our residents stay connected with their families and loved ones via phone and video contact. All facilities are well equipped with mobile devices which will be thoroughly disinfected and cleaned before and after each use.

Once an outbreak has been confirmed, any request to leave the facility will need to be carefully considered in consultation with your Manager Residential Care and the COVID-19 State Incident Controller.

Before any home transfer, any resident and all members of the household to where they are wanting to transfer must test negative for COVID-19. You must then be prepared to quarantine for 14 days to reduce the risk of community transmission.

Any resident wanting to subsequently return to the facility will need to isolate in their room for 14 days.

It’s a big decision and there are many things to consider. Please speak with your Manager Residential Care if you would like to explore this possibility further. OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) have also created a useful Fact Sheet: Requirements for bringing loved ones home during COVID-19 which you may find helpful.

Advance care planning is the process of planning for current and future health care needs. Everyone, regardless of age or health should consider an advance care plan as it ensures your values, beliefs and preferences are understood by your loved ones, doctors and care team.

Speak with your Manager Residential Care if your family member would like to review an advance care plan to ensure their latest needs and preferences are documented.

Our Outbreak Management Plan has been developed in consultation with the WA Department of Health and Commonwealth Government. In the event of an outbreak, we would be directed by WA Public Health and the COVID-19 State Incident Controller in all our actions.

We will also have access to a team of their specialists including an Infectious Disease Consultant, Geriatrician and Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner.