COVID Updates
COVID Updates
Protecting our communities
Baptistcare continues to ensure the health and wellbeing of our residents, customers, employees, volunteers, contractors and families is our number one priority.
COVID Updates
Frequently asked questions
The following FAQs will assist you in understanding the steps we are taking to protect our communities during these challenging times.
We expect you may think of other questions, so encourage you to email us at residents@baptistcare.com.au. We will respond to you individually and also regularly update these FAQs so you can always access the most current information.
Visitors must take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) every 24 hours which we will provide to you prior to entry.
Visitors must check in to and out of the facility using our online visitor management system, Zipline:
- completing a health declaration which EXCLUDES close contacts for 7 days and confirming you do not have any COVID or Influenza symptoms.
- providing a negative RAT to be photographed when prompted (every 24 hours).
- having your temperature taken.
We strongly recommend visitors stay up to date with COVID and Influenza vaccinations.
Surgical masks are now a mandatory requirement for employees, volunteers, visitors and contractors, and must be worn at all times, masks should be changed on a regular basis.
Please continue to use hand sanitiser on entry and exit, and consider enjoying your visit in our garden areas if weather permits.
There are no restrictions to visiting times, visit duration or visitor numbers.
If you are unwell, please do not visit.
We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit.
There are no restrictions to visiting times, visit duration or visitor numbers.
Individual residents may leave the facility, including to attend small family gatherings. 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 receive a call immediately.
The nominated representative will also receive regular phone health updates from a health professional 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 to provide general updates and information.
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. You are able to view up-to-date information for each facility by viewing the COVID Updates pages on the right side of this page.
If a resident receives a COVID-positive result, their treatment plan will be discussed with them and their nominated representative, in collaboration with their GP.
A decision on whether to transfer a COVID-19 positive aged care resident to hospital will be made on a case-by-case basis, based on the best available medical advice, balancing the needs of the facility as a whole, with consideration given to the individual resident’s wishes and in consultation with their family.
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.
We have created PPE stockpiles throughout metropolitan and regional areas, which is continuously being monitored. 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 PPE (including a surgical mask, gloves, eye protection and a gown).
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.
