ADF troops to help as aged care home diaries reveal the horror of Covid

Up to 1700 Australian Defence Force personnel will assist aged care facilities. It comes as secret diaries have revealed shocking acts occurring.

Up to 1700 Australian Defence Force personnel will assist aged care facilities in “acute situations” as the pressure on staff continues to mount.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there will be four teams placed at 24 hours notice to move from today to assist where needed.

It will increase to up to 10 teams at 24 hours notice to go into acute situations, working together, with the health departments and public health agencies in each of the states and territories and the Aged Care Minister.

But he stopped short of confirming they would be able to replace ongoing labour shortages because of staff contracting Covid.

“As I said several weeks ago, the Defence Force are not a surrogate workforce for the aged care sector,” he said.

“There are around 285,000 people who work in the aged care sector.

“So the idea that the defence forces can come in and just replace all of the shifts that are lost because people have Covid, we already relaxed the close contact rule and that had a real positive impact.

“But the idea the defence forces could just simply come in and fill that gap is just not realistic.

“And was never a scenario or an option that was under consideration because it’s just simply not feasible.

“But they do and can and have provided quite targeted support into the aged care sector in extreme situations, some of the most difficult situations.”

Mr Morrison said the teams will include a registered nurse team leader, some medical technicians and personnel to support general duties.

“In each state and territory, it will begin with around 50 personnel going to support each state and up to 200,” he said.

“So we’ll have up to around 1,700 defence force personnel assisting.”

AGED CARE COVID DIARIES EXPOSE HORROR

it comes as diaries from residents in Covid-ridden aged care homes reveal the terror for those trapped inside, how gardeners are being roped in to help care for the elderly amid staff shortages and cold food.

The revelations come from a blog called Residents’ Matter published on the website of aged care advocacy group Aged Care Matters.

Director Dr Sarah Russell said she has been encouraging residents and families to speak for themselves.

Aged Care Matters Director Dr Sarah Russell. Picture: Supplied

“The problem in the past is that residents feel they will suffer negative repercussions in the aged care homes and families also often find residents are punished for speaking out,” she said.

“But the pandemic has changed all that.

“Residents are realising that we need to hear their voices. We need to hear from those at the coalface.”

Dr Russell said some of the names are pseudonyms and some are their real names, but no aged care centres have been identified.

One resident who is happy to be identified is Rosemary Seam.

“She is one of our more optimistic writers,” Dr Russell said.

“But she also tells other people’s stories. She speaks about a woman with dementia struggling with being confined to her room and a woman who has lost her husband.

“We’re also hearing about some aged care homes where they’re making some big decisions like switching off their airconditioning, because they fear it will spread the virus.

“Their words are a powerful insight.”

Aged care staff are on the Covid frontline. Picture: Annette Dew

ROSEMARY SEAM, NSW

Jan 16

Last night, residents were woken at midnight, by staff in full PPE, told we have a positive Covid case, needed to undergo immediate testing, people were frightened, crying, not understanding what was happening.

Surely this could have been handled better.

Jan 23

We are still confined to our rooms. A motley crew of gardeners, maintenance crew, all hands on deck, keeping us fed + watered.

Young gardener who brought my breakfast says he’s quite enjoying the change, and it will continue for a few weeks yet … bless him.

Meanwhile, the usually immaculate gardens are starting run amok, hedge outside my window growing at an alarming rate.

I usually wave to the same young gardener out of my window while he’s trimming the hedges, and I’m eating breakfast.

Nurses are run off their feet, taking care of essentials.

We had a six-day RAT on Friday, thankfully not at midnight this time.

Happy to report, status quo is being maintained, more or less.

Residents have had to isolate in their rooms for long periods of time.

24 Jan

Expecting another uneventful day in solitary confinement. A friend and I escorted to cafe, on premises, for coffee.

I read to vision impaired friend, then Director of Nursing came to tell us of death of another resident’s husband. His death was not unexpected but still sobering. I was permitted to individually visit friend to share commiserations.

Other residents still confined to their rooms, hopefully, restrictions will be gradually eased.

Good to see return of nurses who’ve been away, presumably on sick leave.

Happy to report that Greg from Maintenance, and Guy from Gardening, are still happily filling multiple roles.

We’re looking on the bright side, staff doing their best, going above and beyond, life will gradually return to normal.

Will be good to see family + friends again.

The elderly in aged care homes say life in isolation is lonely and boring.

25 Jan

Still in solitary confinement. Nurse Sarah brought medication, apologised for being late, she’s filling in for RN who is off sick, told Sarah no worries, Sarah says she’s so tired, has to keep going, for all those who need her.

Sarah is one of the good ones, very conscientious, feeling so sad for her.

My recently acquired Gogo (motorised disability scooter), sadly not going anywhere at present, due to lockdown, solitary confinement.

Received advice that we are now at day 9 of our outbreak (dated yesterday).

Isolation and no visitors rule continue.

RATs to be completed on Thursday and Friday. Depending on results, residents will be permitted to move around freely, with Covid safe practices.

Visiting will hopefully resume, subject to safeguards, on 1st February, once Public Health Unit declares outbreak is over at our facility.

We are allowed out of our rooms for short periods.

The physiotherapist will supervise walks outside this afternoon, weather permitting.

I really feel management is doing everything possible for our wellbeing, under difficult circumstances.

The elderly have been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic.

Jan 26

Pleased to see physio taking individual residents outside to the patio, which has sweeping views across the fields to the blue hills beyond … enjoying fresh air and a chat … I’m hoping for a quick trip outdoors this afternoon.

Still in iso, so far, so good.

Happy to report that Hazel + I won a prize in the Australia Day Quiz … will share with our friend Frances, who’s just lost her husband.

Didn’t get outside this afternoon, but you can’t have everything, there’s always tomorrow.

Jan 27

We had our RATs this morning. Mine is still negative, thankfully. We still have active cases, though not sure how many. Hopefully we will still be on course to come out of lockdown on Feb 1st.

Still in solitary confinement. Nipped outdoors to a nearby courtyard just now, as the door stood invitingly open. I removed my mask for a few gulps of fresh air.

The staff seem less stressed as time goes on. I am very grateful for all they do for us. Greg from Maintenance is still everywhere at once, filling in wherever needed.

We are fortunate not to have experienced a serious outbreak, as other facilities have. This is probably because of our semi rural situation.

A nurse taking a swab test from a patient during a home visit.

28 Jan

While solitary confinement continues, feeling concerned for my neighbour G, who has dementia. G was coping well – she enjoyed a regular routine, breakfast at 7.30, lunch at noon, supper at 5.00, G attended dining room promptly at meal times, before returning to her room, occupying her time colouring in. Somebody thoughtfully provided a special little sloped table and a huge crate of coloured pencils.

Now dining room is closed, all residents’ meals served in our rooms, the structure has gone from G’s day. She’s remaining in her nightie all day, spending a lot of time in bed, sometimes not even raising the blind, preferring to remain in darkness, door closed.

I’ve noticed staff going to G’s room, concerned, trying to raise her interest, to little avail.

I can appreciate that these measures are considered necessary, for infection control, but may be inflicting untold harm.

29 Jan

Still in solitary confinement, looking forward to light at end of the tunnel, hopefully, next Tuesday.

It will be great to see visitors again, to catch up with friends, to get back to normal.

Happy to report that my neighbour G seems better today. She’s dressed, not colouring in, but looking through her completed works. She has raised her blind.

Guy from gardening popped round to say hello. He’s been helping out in the kitchen, keeping us all fed and watered.

It’s been terrific and great for morale, seeing how all the staff have co-operated to keep essential services operating.

Greg, maintenance man extraordinaire, is running the laundry, and keeping the wheels turning. It’s great to hear his cheerful greeting, at 7am, on his morning rounds, checking to see what needs doing. He seems to be everywhere at once.

I do realise that many have found lockdown a very difficult experience, families as well as residents. Let’s hope for better days ahead.

Dr R popped in for a quick “social call” last evening. Not a time to mention any major ailments.

Aged care homes are battling with Omicron.

31 Jan

Our friend Margy has been very ill with Covid. Good to see that she’s been well enough to be taken outdoors for fresh air, yesterday and today.

Frances’ husband has died, aged 91. The funeral is on Wednesday not at our chapel, the crematorium down the road. Frances is coping in isolation, phoned her today for a chat. She always says “love you” when we’re saying goodbye, bless her. Her boys have been marvellous, she says, organising everything. It must be hard for her.

We’re hoping Donna, hairdresser extraordinaire, she of the magic scissors, will be permitted to return this week. There’ll be a long queue at the salon door. Donna was very ill with Covid after Christmas.

I’m starting to resemble an Olde English sheepdog.

Gogo fully charged, ready for the off, fingers crossed.

Today we’ve progressed from Code Red to Code Amber, whatever that means.

I’ve fired up the Gogo, been able to go outdoors, good to see friends Enjoying some fresh air, some are recovering from Covid, not all wearing masks, so kept a safe distance.

In the cafe, tables of two are playing Bananagram, socialising.

Good to be able to catch up with friends not seen for weeks.

It seems things might be on the up, fingers crossed.

Australia Behind Bars, documentary in eight episodes starting this week on free to air television, establishes one thing, jail is an unforgiving place.

Food for thought…??

1 Feb

We’re code green today. Life is getting back to normal. Nice to enjoy lunch in the dining room, only two to a table, on china plates, after weeks of paper plates, isolated in our rooms.

Feeling so good after a session with hairdresser Donna, she of the magic scissors.

Hazel had a visit from her grandson, a serving member of the ADF. He’s been trying to get to see her for weeks. oh happy day.

Margy is hoping to be allowed out of quarantine tomorrow, fingers crossed.

So things are on the up. at the moment, Covid permitting.

Staff had difficulty this morning, persuading G that she could have breakfast in the dining room. By lunchtime and teatime, it’s as if she’s never been away. Back to her colouring-in and regular routine. Sadly her mealtime companion is in quarantine with Covid. We have no new cases.

Aged Care Matters Director Sarah Russell with her mum Joan, who died in 2015. Dr Russell is an advocate for those in aged care. Picture: Supplied.

2 Feb

Enjoying our freedom again today. In no rush to go out, just stretching our wings. Margy is happy to be out of quarantine, finally.

We have no new cases, so far our outbreak is contained. Thankfully, fingers crossed.

Greg is still manning the fort. Morale is good. Staff have done a terrific job

seeing us through this crisis. We’ve been so much more fortunate than many others and we’re grateful.

Carpets haven’t been vacuumed for the duration of The Dreaded Lurgy.

We’re told it’s because the vacuum cleaner would be spreading germs between rooms. Best excuse for not doing housework we’ve heard.

On a positive note, bathrooms are cleaned daily.

3 Feb

At 9am, I noticed Nurse V going into G’s room. G was still in bed, blind closed.

Nurse V gently asked G if she’d like to sit in the chair beside the bed, while she made the bed. G said: “No”.

Next time I looked, G was happily sitting in her chair, fully dressed, blind up, bed made, sheets changed. Nurse V just leaving with armfuls of washing, job done, in no time at all.

Our nurses are our unsung heroes. I thanked Nurse V, for caring. She looked surprised, but pleased.

Our nursing home staff really deserve decent remuneration, as well as our gratitude.

Aged care homes are battling with staff shortages and sick residents duing the pandemic. Pic Annette Dew

GEORGE, QLD

Jan 23

I noticed a sign posted at our front gate, my room is next to the gate, when I read it, it said “if you wish to enter ring this number, the aged care centre num. I approached the rn and asked why? She said we have a Covid case, I said, another one? She replied yes. No other residents were wearing masks! As you know I have been in self isolation in my room for 2 weeks. Tested after the first case and came back negative! I don’t believe the other residents are aware of the situation, I am worried! Because I still have to interact with staff, medication and meals!

Jan 27

I am lucky, I am in one of the good aged care homes: airconditioned, ceiling fan, windows and doors that open to the outside. Where possible the cook caters to my dietary needs. I go to the local pool every second day, and shop if I need to. I always wear a mask when out of my room or in public. I have chosen to isolate in my room 19 days so far.

JOAN, VIC

Jan 22

Yes it feel like we are in jail except that prisoners in jail get visitors. Our “warders” are the only people we see. The meals are mainly cold by the time you get them as we are not allowed out of our rooms to go to the dining room. The carers/warders are very good but because of staff shortages there is only so much they can do. What a waste of our lives. It’s not living – it’s loneliness and very boring.

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt has been asked to do more by advocacy groups. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Jan 23

I’m 84 and I live in what I believe to be one of the better nursing homes. Under normal circumstances I would not complain about things only the food which I have continually complained about but nothing changes there. However with lockdown seeming to becoming the norm. I can’t say I’m very happy. I certainly have no complaints about the carers here. They do their best but as there are not sufficient numbers and they have to follow rules it’s difficult for them. We have been in lockdown for most of January and it looks like it is going to continue as another round of isolation has just started. We are told nothing officially and mostly find out information through overhearing or a slip of the tongue.

Jan 24

The fact that we have no airconditioning in our rooms doesn’t help. The poor carers must feel like they are living in a sauna with all the plastic garb they have to wear in this hot weather. It is having a very bad effect on some of our more vulnerable residents as well.

Some of our residents like to spend the day walking up and down, outside and in. Now they are confined to their rooms they must be getting very restless and fretful.

Everyone here has been vaccinated three times and no one has been hospitalised as far as I know. I realise that being confined to our rooms is for our own benefit but there surely must be another way of safeguarding us or at least entertaining us.

There is not much to do when confined to a small room day after day with no one to speak to.

Residents have been confined to their rooms for long periods of time due to Covid.

Yesterday I was very disturbed and upset to hear one of my neighbours crying outside my door. She was so upset. She is a lovely little lady with dementia and she likes to wander.

She escaped from her room and was trying to open a door leading into the dining room but one of the carers saw her and was trying to get her back into her room, she was determined not to go and was putting up a fight. I heard her shout ”No” and then she started crying her heart out. She wanted to see her daughter who usually comes in quite regularly. After lots of wailing and shouting and with the help of another carer they managed to calm her down and get her into her room but it was quite upsetting.

The girls were very patient and kind to her. She just doesn’t understand …

Today I had chips and a veggie patty for lunch, it was definitely not what I ordered because I never eat chips or mashed potato and the amount of veg in it was pitiful, less than a teaspoon of peas and corn. It was practically stone cold. I could have sent it back but I felt sorry for the girl as she would be sent back with a small list of what was available and there probably wasn’t anything worth having anyway.

‘It’s not living’, say residents stuck in isolation in aged care homes.

ALIEHS

25 Jan

There seem to be so many entirely justifiable complaints. BUT:

Could we change the emphasis to the facilities and their overarching organisations that are doing the right thing.

I am in permanent residential care. My facility is not without problems, but management and staff perform well above normal expectations.

28 Jan

At 10am, I had just finished my mail delivery, [ I am the singing postman] when I was intercepted, and urged to go straight to my room- [ go to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $200]. It turned out that my wing had to be isolated for 7 days as someone had tested positive to the routine swab.

[Sherlockian me has narrowed the possible candidates down to 4 -has to be someone who has been out]

The protocol has swung into action very efficiently. Carers all in PPE. We are all confined to our rooms, meals all on disposable plates and cutlery.

Poor carers racing up and down to persuade those who wander, that they have to stay put. A process which has to be frequently repeated with the same people.

We can have our doors and windows open to watch the passing parade, and the pursuit of would be parades.

Many phone calls cancelling appointments. Thank heaven for Borrowbox, TV, and the ABC; not to mention my extravagant purchases of CDs and books. And I recommend the Seniors’ quiz and crossword to one and all.

Just another twirl on our roundabout.

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