Effectively immediately aged care provider Mclean Care is ramping up restrictions at its NSW facilities, including Inverell, in the wake of growing concern about the spread of COVID-19 into regional areas.
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In a statement released this morning, management said:
"Not for profit aged care provider McLean Care is supporting residents and families to stay in touch, following the "difficult but essential" decision to put in place COVID-19 visiting restrictions at for Killean in Inverell, Kolora in Guyra and Mackellar in Gunnedah."
It is also scaling back all non-essential home and community care services.
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"The organisation had consulted families, clients and residents about the restriction on access and non-essential home and community services," CEO Sue Thomson said.
"When it comes to the wellbeing and safety of our clients, residents and staff, we are just not prepared to take any chances.
"It's tough for everyone concerned to have to physically keep loved ones apart, but we have no choice.
"We know that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions including heart disease are at heightened risk from COVID-19.
"We must do everything we can to keep our residents and clients safe during this current unfolding situation."
Ms Thomson said the new arrangements prohibit access for visitors, contractors, volunteers and others to residential aged care sites.
"We are implementing the new rules with compassion. Visits from GPs and allied health providers will continue," she said.
"We will consult with any families who have special circumstances, such as end of life care, to provide individualised solutions for these sensitive situations and facilitate safe caring visits.
"We are doing everything we can to help residents and loved ones stay in touch.
"Extra staff are available to help with video chats, phone calls and delivering and reading out letters that families email in. And we are in constant communication with our clients.
"We're also mindful of residents' emotional health. We have increased social activities in our homes to help residents remain cheerful and fulfilled."
Ms Thomson said the restrictions will be reviewed regularly.
"These are difficult and unprecedented times. We are working meticulously on our COVID-19 outbreak protection plans so that we are as prepared as we possibly can be in the event of COVID-19 outbreak further spreading in our regional communities," Ms Thomson said.
"These temporary access restrictions are an important part of our proactive approach to keeping people safe during the pandemic."
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