Qld aged care centre’s COVID-19 checkpoint was manned by elderly volunteers

An aged care centre that was forced into lockdown this week had elderly volunteers stationed at a COVID-19 checkpoint.

A Sunshine Coast aged care facility that was sent into lockdown over COVID-19 fears allowed elderly volunteers to operate temperature control checkpoints during the pandemic.

Immanuel Gardens at Buderim was the centre of a virus scare earlier this week after four residents began experiencing symptoms. All four have since tested negative to the coronavirus.

It’s understood that prior to the scare, elderly residents had been “volunteering” at a checkpoint at the entrance to the facility.

The facility, run by Lutheran Services, offers aged care and independent retirement living.

Lutheran Services CEO Nick Ryan said on Thurday there were no residents currently involved in the visitation checkpoints for the retirement and aged care community in Buderim.

“As part of Lutheran Services’ continual quality assurance and improvement processes, we have recently changed our management team here at Immanuel Gardens,” Mr Ryan said.

“It has come to our attention that, prior to this change, some independent living residents in the retirement village previously volunteered their time to assist in the visitation checkpoint.

“This is not an appropriate role for people living in our retirement village. Swift action has been taken, including a thorough review of all volunteer protocols.”

Mr Ryan said a trained and experienced workforce was employed to oversee the site’s visitation procedures.

“During the current situation, this includes compulsory temperature checks, with all visitors requiring proof of flu vaccinations before entering,” he said.

“Our role is to deliver the very best care to those we serve. We thank everyone in our community at this time as we continue to work together to safeguard the people entrusted in our care.”