Letter to Families May 18th 2020

Dear families and friends of Pennwood,

I hope you are all keeping well. It seems South Australia is doing a great job in keeping COVID-19 away, lets hope it stays that way!!!

There has been a lot of work at the Federal government level to clarify some of the confusion around visitor access during these times. As I have previously mentioned the confusion was mostly around differing state legislations and guidelines from federal government.

Many of you will now be aware that we have been facilitating care and support visits for families and friends as they have requested, or as residents have been asking to see their families and friends.

Last week the aged care industry agreed to an Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19.

Pennwood Aged Care Services commits to abiding by this industry code.

Please take your time to have a look at this document, and remember we are also bound by the state legislation currently in place (links are included in the Industry Code).

Some important points to remember:

When you visit your relative the visit must be ‘short’ which is defined as around 30 minutes in the Code – longer visits can occur in exceptional circumstances and are dealt with on a case by case basis.

You must stay in the designated visitor area (Atrium near the entrance of the Village) OR only in your relatives room – entering from the external door to the room only.

Visitors CANNOT enter resident communal areas such as lounge or dining rooms or outside areas other than the atrium.

Please call to book your visits, so we can ensure we have the staff available to conduct the pre-screening requirement (temperature checks, screening questions, hand sanitisation).

And please DO NOT COME TO PENNWOOD IF YOU OR A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY ARE NOT WELL.

Please keep an eye out this week for the new Care app link – which is a free trial we are offering families, providing direct communication from Pennwood to you and your family, specific to your family member.

I do apologise, we were going to hold an online relative ‘catch up’ last week, but time slipped away from me and I was unable to organise. At the last ‘online catch-up’ some families suggested we hold one later in the afternoon, so that those who work are able to attend. I will find a time that’s suitable this week and let you all know.

Thanks again everyone,

Kimberley Moss

Business Manager