Government tells Australians it’s OK to have in-home aged care
The Federal Government has cleared the air about safe in-home care for vulnerable elderly people during the pandemic. Here are important facts for those needing care, and their loved ones.
Inner South
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Confusion around aged care services during the coronavirus pandemic has been put to bed by the Federal Government.
It comes after a raft of complaints about workers not wearing personal protective equipment.
But the government, following advice from Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy, said aged care workers didn’t have to wear items like masks, gloves, aprons or gowns.
And there is also advice to keep up regular home care and health care, which the government said was just as important as protecting yourself from coronavirus.
Founder of Prestige InHome Care and registered nurse Nick McDonald said it was more important than ever to engage with aged care professionals to help your loved ones through the pandemic.
“It’s critical that people know they can get carers, and I would urge people to use a reputable service,” Mr McDonald said.
“All of our staff have done extra training to help them deal with the issues they face because of COVID-19, including sanitary training.
“So don’t be afraid, give a service provider a call and discuss how we can help.”
Mr McDonald said it was phenomenal to see how young people had changed their attitude and were helping the older generation through a difficult time.
“The awareness for young people, who are now realising this is the life older people live normally, in isolation, it’s very real for them,” he said.
“I’ve seen young people connecting with the old through social media and involving them in activities is great, hopefully that will continue after isolation too.”
While the industry has seen a number of changes due to social distancing and isolation, Prestige InHome Care is promoting “contactless socialisation”.
“We always try and promote independence, so we would normally go shopping with our clients and help them choose their groceries and guide them with cooking, but now their shopping is being delivered, for example,” Mr McDonald said.
“So one carer was on the phone the other day for an hour speaking to a client who they would normally take to their favourite cafe or restaurant, so they still get that relationship and contact.
“Where the first phase saw calls from concerned relatives wanting to immediately transition their loved one’s from aged care facilities to decrease the risk of community transmission, now we are seeing a new set of norms, including contactless shopping services as well as procedures that help our clients retain socialisation visits with experienced professional carers via phone calls.”
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Protecting yourself against coronavirus
Good hygiene and taking care when interacting with other people are the best defences for you and your family against coronavirus. This includes:
■ Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
■ Disposing of used tissues immediately into a rubbish bin and washing your hands
■ Washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet, and when you have been out to shops or other places
■ Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers (60 per cent alcohol), where available
■ Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-used surfaces and objects
■ Stay at home and avoid physical contact with others, except when you need assistance or care
■ Avoid non-essential travel
■ Consider having the chemist deliver your medicines
■ Consider having your groceries and essential items delivered to your home
■ Stay 1.5m away — two arms’ length — from other people, when you can