Geelong aged care homes Homestead Estate, Bupa Barrabool hit by Covid

An aged care resident has complained about being confined to her room, amid a surge in Covid outbreaks at aged care facilities around Geelong and the Surf Coast. SEE THE LIST

TLC Homestead Estate Residential Aged Care had recorded a number of Covid cases. Picture: Peter Ristevski

A resident infected in a Covid outbreak at a Wallington aged care home says she has experienced claustrophobia after allegedly not being able to leave her room, even for fresh air.

TLC Homestead Estate Residential Aged Care had recorded 14 active Covid cases as of last week, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care (DHAC).

One of the infected residents, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled the “horrible experience” of having to isolate in her room for the past week.

“This is the second time infected residents have had to go into lockdown since I’ve been here,” she said.

“I’m claustrophobic, so this is my worst nightmare to be perfectly honest.”

The resident said the only fresh air she had been able to access was through her window.

“I’m not allowed to go outside or even keep the door open or slightly ajar,” she said.

According to DHAC guidelines, residents infected by the same respiratory pathogen should be able to socialise with one another.

“If practical, cohort residents together where more than one resident case is positive with

the same pathogen,” national guidelines state.

“Residents who are identified as contacts with similar exposures may also be cohorted together.”

However, the Homestead Estate resident claimed she had been unable to interact with anyone, apart from staff who dropped off medicine and other essentials, for seven days.

“I’ve wondered why (staff) can’t wear PPE and masks and take us out to get some air,” she said.

TLC Healthcare refused to comment on the matter.

According to Department of Health and Aged Care guidelines, aged care residents infected by the same respiratory pathogen should be able to interact. Picture: iStock.

The Wallington aged care facility is just one of several homes with active outbreaks across Geelong and the Surf Coast.

Bupa Aged Care Barrabool recorded 27 total cases in an active Covid outbreak as of last Thursday, with 15 residents and 12 staff testing positive.

A spokeswoman for the Belmont facility said the outbreak had only affected part of the home, with infected residents offered antiviral medication to manage symptoms.

“Residents are encouraged to stay in their rooms to help minimise transmission,” she said.

“Visitors are still welcome but are asked to complete a rapid antigen test before entering the home and wear a mask during their visit.

“All team members are in full PPE to also help minimise transmission.”

A Barwon Health spokesman said the health care provider had noticed a recent spike in cases around Geelong.

“Over summer, we have seen an increase in Covid-19 notifications in the Barwon South West region, including an increased number of aged care facility outbreaks,” he said.

“While most people in the community have a small risk of severe illness from Covid-19, vaccinations are recommended for those who are older or have underlying health conditions.”

Originally published as Geelong aged care homes Homestead Estate, Bupa Barrabool hit by Covid