COVID-19: Melbourne’s Jewish Care takes action
Jewish Care Victoria remains taking all necessary precautions in accordance with the Department of Health requirements for Aged Care Providers, in response to Stage 3 “Stay at Home” restrictions.
This includes advice for visitors, staff, clients, Elders and their families.
Jewish Care understands that this is a dynamic situation and will continue to be vigilant to ensure that our highest priorities remain the health and safety of our Elders, clients, staff, volunteers, and visitors. We will continue to meet care and service requirements to the best of our ability under these difficult and ever-changing circumstances.
Our actions, as always, are based on the up-to-date information provided by the Department of Health and the Victorian Government regarding COVID-19.
Jewish Care’s actions are detailed as follows:
RESIDENTIAL CARE
The difficult decision has been made to once again restrict visitation to all our homes except in exceptional circumstances where visitors are supporting end of life care. Elders will not be able to leave any of our homes except for medical appointments. We understand and acknowledge the impact this decision will have on both our Elders and their families.
HELPLINE
Jewish Care’s COVID-19 Helpline remains in place to assist and support members of the community experiencing crisis or hardship due to COVID-19. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm. Call 8517 5555, or visit www.jewishcare.org.au/covid19helpline
ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE
All groups and programs conducted in the Gita Smorgon Family Active Living Centre have been temporarily suspended. Clients are being supported to maintain their health and wellbeing through Allied Health home visits, personal phone calls, and virtual services, where possible.
IN-HOME
In-Home Services are continuing. To ensure we can continue to provide home care services to our clients whilst managing the potential risk of infection to clients and our staff, we have introduced additional procedures and protocols for Direct Care Workers visiting homes in the community.
DISABILITY
Jewish Care Disability Services are still providing services. Clients of Jewish Care’s Disability Services are being contacted directly to outline any changes to supports and services. In accordance with the Stage 3 “Stay at Home” restrictions, we have suspended all group activities.
VOLUNTEERING
The face-to-face Volunteer Program within residential aged care remains suspended. Jewish Care has implemented virtual social connection programs to connect our volunteers with clients and Elders.
GENERAL
The Jewish Care website has a dedicated COVID-19 page that contains all updates and latest news as it pertains to Jewish Care. Web address: www.jewishcare.org.au/covid19
· All staff have been continually updated about Jewish Care’s decisions and actions via emails, memos and our intranet.
· All Elders, clients and their families have been continually updated via emails and/or phone calls by the relevant service areas.
· Staff who can operationally work from home, will continue to work from home.
Jewish Care will continue to update Elders, clients, and families with the latest government advice.
If you are adversely affected by COVID-19 and need support, please contact the COVID-19 Helpline on 8517 5555, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm, or visit www.jewishcare.org.au/COVID19helpline
