Thinking of our residents as relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions across Victoria slowly begins

As we come to the end of our second week of recommenced face-to-face visitation in the two aged care facilities under the agreed 17 conditions, I’m pleased to report that the arrangements seem to be working well for both residents and visitors. No, they are not perfect and, yes, we’d all like everything to return to normal but as we all know this is not going to be possible for some time. Thank you for your messages of encouragement and support for our reception and care staff and thank you also for following through with your influenza vaccinations and associated documentation.

You may be aware that the aged care peak bodies and consumer advocacy organisations released a “Code for visiting residential aged care homes during Covid-19”. This Code is endorsed by the Federal Department of Health and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians. I will be reviewing our agreed 17 conditions for visits to make sure they are consistent with the Code.

Of interest, I’m pleased to advise that just under 93% of our 300+ staff across residential and community services have received an influenza vaccination with a further 2% unable to be vaccinated for legitimate health reasons. That leaves 17 staff who will not be able to enter either aged care facility until they are vaccinated or provide proof of a medical reason why they can’t.  We are following up with each of these remaining 17 people. 

With the commencement of relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions across Victoria we all have to mindful of the associated increase in risk to residents and clients. The virus is not gone as can be evidenced by current clusters in a Melbourne meat works and now at a McDonalds outlet. Please exercise care in your own public interactions outside of MannaCare and with following infection control practices so you don’t inadvertently introduce the virus into one of our facilities or to one or more clients. As you know the results can be catastrophic and this is something you’d have to live with for the rest of your life.

On a more uplifting note, I came across the short and touching poem by Samantha Reynolds below during the week which I thought I’d share with you.  It’s a reminder of the richness of life that lies behind the aged exterior of residents/clients in our care.

I am not old.. she said
I am rare.

I am the standing ovation
At the end of the play.

I am the retrospective
Of my life as art

I am the hours
Connected like dots
Into good sense

I am the fullness
Of existing.

You think I am waiting to die..
But I am waiting to be found

I am a treasure.
I am a map.

And these wrinkles are
Imprints of my journey

Ask me anything.