At this moment things seam to be settling quiet well. Spot outbreaks appear to under control, even though States continue to argue the point over border closures.
Subsequently we are entering a phase of the “new normal”.
Visiting Arrrangements
From the Wednesday the 27th of January 2021 the following requirements remain.
All visitors must:
- wear a surgical mask whilst in the facility and maintain social distancing – no touch.
- on arrival register (excluding accompanied children under 12) their visit on the “Looplearn” sign in tablets at Reception or the Ambulance Door foyer and logout on departure.
- pass the screening questions on the device, including temperature check (by the device)
*Note the temperature is not displayed, only a message to see a staff member will indicate a high temperature reading >37.50.
The device will record the temperature in its log.
- declare they have not been to or travelled through the listed exposure sites on the poster beside the device.
- wear the printed sticker label from the check in process whilst on the premises.
Number of Visitors
From Wednesday 27th of January 2021 there will be no caps on the numbers of visitors a resident can have each day or at any one time.
Visiting Hours
Regular Visiting: **Note: a Visitor Access Swipe Card (VASC) is required for these visits – see below
- All Days, including Public Holidays 10am till Sundown
Casual Visiting: **Note: No VASC needed
- Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) 10am till 4:30 pm (4 pm Friday)
Residents leaving the facility for an event or overnight stay.
- Can visit family in their homes where there are no more than 50 visitors at any one time.
- Can leave the facility for outings such as medical appointments or to visit locations in the community such as shops, cafes etc.
- Must wear a surgical mask if they cannot physically distance from another – especially whilst in transit (e.g., a car).
A “designated organiser” must be nominated to complete an “Event Registration Form” (available at reception), and include details of location, date, time, attendees, and contact details; like our screening questions when entering the facility.
All other conditions remain the same.
Facilities are required to:
- Ensure All visitors, staff and contractors pass the daily screening process!
**Note: Hotspots change daily.
- Ensure social distancing is adhered to – No physical contact, stay 1.5 meters apart!
- Ensure children are closely supervised by parents / guardians.
- Ask visitors to undertake hand hygiene on entering and leaving; the facility, each house, the resident’s room, or other such areas, as well as touching any item or surface.
- Visitors are to remain within the resident’s room, go to an outdoor area or any alternative room where the resident and their visitors can keep apart from other residents.
In addition:
- Existing exemptions for Compassionate Grounds will continue.
** Note: Authorised Carers have variable arrangements depending on the individual needs.
Virtual Visiting remains available by booking with reception on 03 5883 9600:
- Window Visit in our Visitor Room
- Video Conference via Skype, Zoom, Facetime etc
- Phone calls.
These visiting arrangements and conditions of entry may change without notice at any time depending on the local situation, direction from the NSW Public Health Unit or any other such situation deemed suitable by FRC management.
For further information see: Advice to residential aged care facilities – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) (nsw.gov.au)
Department of Health NSW
Door security and visitor access swipe cards
Finley Regional Care has introduced a Keyless entry system that will be rolled out across the entire facility over the coming years. As a result of COVID-19, “After Hours Visiting” will only be available through the Ambulance Entrance to the south of the Administration offices. This is now the only access for any visitor. Access is no longer available from Hamilton Street or Dawe Avenue.
Anyone wishing to visit on Weekends, Public Holidays and after hours will need to register for a “Visitor Access Swipe Card”.
- Each card requires a refundable deposit of $10 to cover cost of loss, damage or deactivation.
- All VASC’s are coded to the doors according to the advised visiting hours as mentioned above.
- You may keep your VASC until no longer needed.
To arrange one, please drop into reception and speak with one of the staff. Our preference is for you to collect the card so further instruction can be provided, however other arrangements can be made.
Please distribute this information to the wider family / friend group.
We again thank everyone for their cooperation during these unprecedented times.
Remain Safe, Remain Vigilant
Nathan Willoughby
Executive Director of Operations
On behalf of The Finley Regional Care Team
