Newsroom

Regis Care Partner Update: COVID-19 prevention and support

Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we manage our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognise that it is a very challenging time and our priority continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our residents and employees.

Confirmed COVID-19 Case Update

At this stage one Regis employee from Regis Fawkner, Melbourne, has tested positive for COVID-19 while on leave.

It is likely they contracted the illness while overseas and they have been in isolation since their return. As a result of our rigorous processes, the staff member has not been in contact with any residents or employees during this period. They will not return to work until they have fully recovered and meet the strict criteria set by the Department of Health.

We are thankful the employee followed all recommendations and guidelines as their actions ensured we maintained the safety and wellbeing of our residents. We continue to support the welfare of the employee through this difficult time.

Residents, families and employees at Regis Fawkner received an update on the same day that we were advised the employee was confirmed as a positive case.

To date, no residents have tested positive across Regis homes and services.

Regis COVID-19 Response

Regis has considerable plans and processes in place to support our homes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic including:

• ensuring necessary stock and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are on hand
• processes to manage suspected, probable or confirmed cases
• communication plans to ensure families and representatives are kept informed
• practices that limit movement to minimise the spread of infection
• additional COVID-19 training for all employees to ensure we are up to date in addition to following all advice from State and Federal Government health officials

Admissions

Last week Regis Aged Care communicated that we are still welcoming admissions under certain criteria:

• if swabbed with a negative result
• if not swabbed, isolation would be required either until a negative result was received or 14 days of isolation completed.

We have further reviewed this approach and taken your feedback into account. We have opted to move to a process that assesses the potential resident’s risk profile as it relates to COVID-19.

We remain steadfast on the position that our resident’s and employee’s safety is the highest priority. Testing for COVID -19 is our preference however we have developed a series of qualifying screening questions which inform the decision making in determining level of risk.

This risk-based approach will determine if the resident is able to be admitted and if so, under the following care arrangements:

• precautionary clinical observation measures where the resident is able to integrate into the home and move into a single or shared room, or;
• into full isolation for 14 days with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if deemed clinically required.

These measures will ensure that we continue to protect our employees, residents and clients in our care.

Telehealth Update

Regis is setting up Telehealth services to be available in our homes on various platforms. This will help residents attend important medical appointments safely. We continue to be in regular contact with General Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals to ensure the continuation of care to our residents.

For further information

If you would like to discuss the above please contact:

• The Facility Manager at our home directly
• Brad Sandilands, National Business Development Manager on 0435 969 617
• Our national admissions support centre (for advice or for your local Regis aged care home’s contact details) at advice@regis.com.au or call 1300 998 100

We appreciate your support during this challenging time for the community.

Update from inside our Homes

Regis teams have rolled out innovative activities to keep spirits high in our homes. Residents are enjoying the stimulating, engaging and safe programs that are on offer.

We are encouraging our residents and their loved ones to utilise FaceTime, Skype and Zoom, as well as phone calls and letters to keep in touch. These moments of connection brighten our resident’s day.

To see daily updates of our activities follow us on: