RetireAustralia Coronavirus update: 28 April 2020

Published: 28 April 2020

It has been truly heartening to hear how ANZAC Day was commemorated in solemn and thoughtful ways that brought our residents and staff even closer together while being physically apart.

Each village participated in a unique way suited to the resident community, from ‘Light up the Dawn’ services and driveway morning teas to deliveries of ANZAC biscuits, candles, sprigs of rosemary, handmade poppies and candles, as well as poignant memorial displays. Our spirits came together in remembrance, while protecting our health by staying apart.

There continues to be positive indications that we are ‘flattening the curve’ in Australia and there is every indication that soon we will start to see social distancing restrictions being scaled back. While there have already been some changes made by state and federal governments, as of today, there is no material change to the restrictions and advice that apply to older Australians and retirement villages.

We continue to closely monitor government advice and guidelines to ensure that RetireAustralia’s COVID-19 response is proportionate to the risk and in line with the latest official advice. We will update you as soon as there is any change.

Mother’s Day

While keeping our residents and staff safe and healthy by keeping the virus out of our villages remains our number one priority, we recognise that on Mother’s Day many of us spend family time together.

In a time of physical distancing, celebrating and making mothers feel valued and loved this year will look a little different, so we’ve put together some creative and fun ideas to get you started. Check out our post How to celebrate your mum this year with a bit of creativity and Feel the love this Mother’s Day

Care apartments visits

While care apartments are currently closed to visitors over the weekend, on Mother’s Day, visits from family may take place with the following precautions:

Visiting hours, 10am – 12 midday and 2pm – 4pm on Sunday 10 May.
Visits to be a maximum of 30 minutes each and two visitors at a time please.
We know it is hard, but please maintain a safe distance of 1.5 metres from each other, and avoid physical contact.
All visitors will be asked to sign-in, have their temperature checked and to sign a health declaration.
Visits from children under 16 remain on hold.

Independent living visits

On Mother’s Day we encourage you to connect with your families but continue to be mindful of the need to practise physical distancing to protect each other from COVID-19.

In line with current government restrictions, you should have a maximum of two visitors at a time in your home, maintain a safe distance of 1.5 metres from each other and avoid physical contact.We also recommend that:

Visits are a maximum of 30 minutes each.
Children under 16 do not visit.
Visits are conducted in your residence and not in community areas.
That family do not visit if they:
- Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
- Have any COVID-19 symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat or any other signs of illness.

Help when you need it

Please remember, at some point in time many of us will feel anxious or lonely as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Please don’t forget that we are all in this together and your village team is just a phone call away if you need anything.

Independent living residents – if you would like a daily wellness check-in phone call, please let your Village Manager know.

Thank you

Keeping everyone safe requires a huge amount of work and commitment from all of us.

We are so grateful for the support that each of you have shown during this challenging time and thank you for embracing the changes we have had to introduce.

If you have any questions, please speak to your Village Manager or contact our COVID-19 Virtual Help team on 1800 325 046.