Being part of the Melbourne COVID Emergency Response Team
20th Jan 2021
Being part of the Melbourne COVID Emergency Response Team
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Keeping you informed on COVID-19. Find out more
Bethanie would like to reassure you that the health and wellbeing of our customers, residents and staff is paramount, and every precaution is being taken to safeguard the Bethanie community from COVID-19.
13 February 2021
Aged Care Home visitor restrictions for the Perth and Peel region have now been eased, and normal visiting arrangements will be in place as of Sunday 14 February.
This means we can now open up the communal areas at the Bethanie Geneff Village that are shared with the Geneff Aged Care Home as of 12.01am Sunday 14 February.
To date, we still have not received the Government Directions. We have sought legal advice and are therefore happy to re-open from tomorrow for visitors.
Should we receive the Directions before visiting time in the morning, and they require us to put different or additional measures in place, we will notify residents and families immediately.
12 February 2021
The WA Government advised that there have been no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. This means that most interim transitional restrictions imposed on the Bethanie community will now be lifted from 12.01am Sunday, 14 February 2021.
Communal areas in our villages will reopen when restrictions are lifted.
Residents will no longer be required to wear masks around the village.
While we can return to pre-lockdown rules such as practising social distancing and rigorous hygiene measures; as well as following the standard COVID-19 safety measures, the following precautionary measures remain in place:
5 February 2021
After five days of community lockdown, it is reassuring news that the WA Government has confirmed that there have been no new COVID-19 cases. This is testament to the support and cooperation from everyone in the Bethanie community as well as all West Australians doing their part.
While the entire Bethanie community has done a remarkable job of staying safe, and following government advice, we still need to remain vigilant.
As a result, from 6pm, 5 February, WA will now begin a phased approach out of lockdown. The following interim restrictions will remain in place at all Bethanie sites until Sunday, 14 February, subject to government direction.
From 6pm, 5 February, we will commence the process of reopening communal areas within the retirement villages, with the exception of Geneff. This is because the Geneff facilities are located within the aged care home which is still subject to the government’s visitation restrictions.
This might look different depending on the facilities at each village.
To keep everyone safe, we are taking this approach with the expectation that everyone will comply with the government directions which includes:
These directions apply when both walking around the village AND using the common areas.
Checking-in will still be required when using the common areas. This can be done by using the SafeWA mobile phone app or by filling in the manual register on site.
Masks
Although we are now free to leave our homes, mask wearing remains mandatory in public and while at work, except for any medical exemptions or vigorous outdoor exercise.
For the most up to date government information, refer to the WA government website.
3 February 2021
In line with the general community directions, Bethanie has closed the communal areas at our Retirement Villages to keep residents safe, and by extension this means that services such as hairdressers, podiatry, among others, are also not available this week, nor bus trips for shopping.
Currently, no visitors are allowed in homes, unless caring for a vulnerable person or in the case of an emergency. This restriction applies even if you live in the same Retirement Village precinct and wish to visit another resident.
All of these measures are designed to minimise any spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Residents should reach out to Village Managers with any questions, concerns or requests for assistance.
In the interim, we ask all residents and tenants to please continue to stay home, maintain physical distancing and personal hygiene. Additionally, anyone feeling unwell with any respiratory illness or COVID-19 symptoms must immediately get a COVID-19 test and remain at home until results are received.
QR codes to be introduced to all Bethanie sites
Once the government allows visits again, as an added precautionary measure, Bethanie will introduce SafeWA QR codes at all Bethanie sites – this includes aged care homes, retirement villages, living well centres, social housing and our head office.
The introduction of QR codes will assist the government with contact tracing, which we know is one of the most effective measures of controlling the spread of COVID-19 if a community outbreak occurs.
All visitors to Bethanie sites will need to scan the QR code and check-in upon arrival by using the WA Government’s free SafeWA app. The manual sign in sheets are still in use and will continue to be used to record visitor temperatures and the resident being visited. More direction on how to do this will be available on site.
Bethanie staff will also be using the SafeWA app. We have updated entry requirements for staff to ensure they declare any movements they may have undertaken in the WA areas highlighted by State Government, so we can continue to keep you safe.
Masks
As the government has mandated wearing of masks when we are out in the community, we can never have enough of them. We are rallying volunteers to help us sew more masks for our vulnerable community. If you have the time, the skills and ability to help, please reach out to Laurette Le Cras, Laurette.lecras@bethanie.com.au. Laurette and a group of volunteers have already made over 1,000 masks to support Bethanie.
We thank you for your continued support during this uncertain and challenging time.
For the most up to date government information, refer to the WA government website.
31 January 2021
On 31 January 2021 the WA State Government advised that there has been COVID-19 community transmission or community spread in WA. Community spread or transmission means people in one part of our community have been infected with the virus, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. This situation significantly increases the risk of our most vulnerable customers becoming exposed to the illness.
We know that locking down facilities, communal areas and ceasing other non-essential services will significantly reduce the transfer of COVID-19.
From 6pm WST, Sunday 31 January, our retirement village and social housing complexes, all community activities, events, communal areas and non-essential services will be suspended until further notice. Essential services such as laundry to remain open.
These measures are designed to help keep our most vulnerable community as safe as possible. The safety of our staff and the entire Bethanie community is our number one priority.
Bethanie takes the care of you and your loved ones very seriously. Our residents and customers are among Australia’s most vulnerable to COVID-19, and it is our intention to do everything in our power to keep them safe from infection.
For the most up to date information, refer to the WA government website.
4 December 2020
Use the SafeWA app at Bethanie on the Park Garden Dining Room
To keep all Western Australians safe, the WA Government has mandated that from 5 December 2020, particular businesses will be required to maintain contact registers for WA Health Department COVID-19 contact tracing.
This means that all patrons wishing to enter the Bethanie on the Park Garden Dining Room will need to check-in using the SafeWA app.
Checking in is simple – patrons just need to have the SafeWA app on their phones and scan the QR code. If you do not have the app, then you will have to sign the paper-based contact register on site.
Read our announcement of this change, or download the SafeWA guide for individuals for more information.
Thank you for your continued support.
15 July 2020
Have you got the COVID-19 At Home Guide?
Bethanie has partnered with the Government of Western Australia (WA) and the Council on the Ageing Western Australia (COTA) to produce a detailed guide to help older Western Australians cope with the impact of COVID-19 on their lives.
The 48 page ‘At Home Guide’ contains a broad range of helpful advice, information and contact details of support and services available.
To ensure the guide is available to as many older West Australians as possible, it has been created in three formats – online 45 minute video, online electronic copy and a 48 page hard copy guide. These free resources provide useful tips and information and cover a broad range of topics including safety and security, social and physical engagement and finding services and supports.
The ‘At Home Guide’ electronic copy and video can be viewed or downloaded from the COTA (WA) website: http://www.cotawa.org.au/the-at-home-guide/
Please speak with your Village, Housing or Case Managers if you’d like a hard copy, Bethanie has limited copies of the ‘At Home Guide’.
Copies are also available through local councils and COTA (WA) programs such as Strength for Life (formerly Living Longer Living Stronger™) or Mall Walking.
24 June 2020
We’re here to help
As life starts to get back to a new way of normal and you begin to reconnect with your local community and activities - visiting family and friends, recommencing social groups and exercise classes, and going to the shops - we understand that you may have mixed feelings and emotions around what and when it is safe to do so.
We would like to reassure you that we are here to help. Please reach out to your Village Manager if you need any further support or guidance, information or a friendly chat.
18 June 2020
Ongoing communication
We will continue to keep you updated on changes as they are announced and how they impact you. All Bethanie Village customers will continue to receive communications directly from Village Managers outlining the specific easing of restrictions for their Bethanie site.
Thank you for your continued support.
11 June 2020
With Phase 3 of the State Government’s roadmap to recovery now in effect, as well as the DETECT Snapshot testing program and the ongoing easing of restrictions across our operations, we have made the decision to move to a once a week communication.
We are committed to providing you with timely, relevant and accurate information around COVID-19 and believe the frequency of once a week will facilitate this.
The scheduled day for our electronic communication will be on a Wednesday. Should there be a major Government announcement that directly impacts the aged care industry, a major change made by Bethanie that impacts customers, or a major event, we will ensure additional timely communications are sent to you.
Thank you for your continued support and feedback on the content of our communication.
Stay at home
The message hasn’t changed for customers who are at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 to stay at home and only leave for essential supplies or medical support. Please reach out to your Village Manager if you need any further support, information or a friendly chat. We’re here to help.
Ongoing communication
We will continue to keep you updated on changes as they are announced and how they impact you. All Bethanie Village customers will continue to receive communications directly from Village Managers outlining the specific easing of restrictions for their Bethanie site.
Thank you for your continued support.
3 June 2020
Delivery of high-quality care
As your trusted provider of care and support, your safety and wellbeing will continue to be our priority. We are committed to updating our safe work systems and processes to ensure that your services, communal areas and activities are in line with the Government recommendations in keeping the community protected and safe from COVID-19.
Flu vaccination and seeing your GP
The Government has strongly encouraged everyone to receive their annual flu vaccination to help support the community to stay healthy. If you haven’t received your flu vaccination, it’s not too late and we encourage you to speak with your General Practitioner. We would also like to reassure you that it is safe to visit your General Practitioner to maintain your regular health appointments, including receiving your annual flu vaccination.
If you need any support to make an appointment or get to your General Practitioner appointment, we can assist you. Please call Bethanie on 13 11 51 or speak to your Village Manager.
Stay at home
We strongly encourage customers who are at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 to stay at home and only leave for essential supplies or medical support. Please reach out to your Village Manager if you need any further support, information or a friendly chat. We’re here to help.
Ongoing communication
We will keep you updated on Phase 3 easing of restrictions and how they impact you. All Bethanie Village and Housing customers will continue to receive communications directly from Village Managers outlining the specific easing of restrictions for their Bethanie site.
Thank you for your continued support.
26 May 2020
Delivery of high-quality care
As your trusted provider of care and support, your safety and wellbeing continue to be our priority. We have been carefully considering and updating safe work systems and processes to enable our teams to reinstate therapy groups and non-essential services and to continue to deliver essential services for customers living at home in the community. Customers are being individually contacted to discuss their care plans to ensure they are receiving the services that they need and enjoy.
Please stay at home
We strongly encourage customers who are vulnerable and at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 to stay at home and only leave for essential supplies or medical support. Please reach out to your Village Manager if you need any further support, information or a friendly chat. We’re here to help.
Ongoing communication
As Phase 3 of the State’s planned roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions comes into effect mid-June, we will continue to keep you updated on the changes and how they impact you. All Bethanie Village customers will continue to receive communications directly from Village Managers outlining the specific easing of restrictions for their Bethanie site.
Thank you for your continued support.
19 May 2020
We hope you have been able to spend some time outside in the garden and enjoy this lovely Autumn weather we have been having.
This week we will start to see further easing of restrictions as Phase 2 comes into effect as part of Western Australia’s planned roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions. All Bethanie Village customers will receive a communication this week outlining the specific easing of restrictions for their Bethanie site.
The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases in people aged 70 years and over, people aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions, people with compromised immune systems, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50. As your trusted provider of care and support, we will continue to do everything within our control to protect you. An extra step you can take to protect yourself is to stay at home and only leave for what you need. This includes shopping for what you need, medical or health care needs, and exercise in compliance with the public gathering and physical distancing requirements. What we are suggesting you do is consistent with Australian Government Department of Health advice and well worth considering, especially as COVID-19 restrictions are eased in the wider community and the risk of transmission increases.
Thank you for your continued vigilance and support for the welfare of the Bethanie and wider community. Please continue to reach out to your Village Manager if you need any further support, information or for a friendly chat. We’re here to help.
6 May 2020
We were thrilled to welcome the return of residents to some common areas last week. We would like to thank you for your patience and for continuing to abide by the requirements of social distancing and infection control.
All Village Managers are now back working on site to support the recent changes with the easing of restrictions. Managers will ensure all reopened common areas will be cleaned in line with Government guidelines and will be available to support residents with any questions or concerns related to these changes.
As we continue to see Western Australia performing well with reduced new and confirmed case numbers of COVID-19, we are anticipating that there will be more changes to come. We will continue to do our very best to follow and implement Government recommended changes and we ask that you continue to play your important role in making sure that you follow Government advice.
Please contact your Village Manager if you need any further support, information or just a chat. We’re here to help.
Here at Bethanie, we are keen to hear how you are feeling during these unprecedented times. Your health and well-being are very important to us and we welcome your feedback.
This survey is a great opportunity for you to tell us what you think about our care and service, and other aspects of our interactions with you and your loved ones during this challenging time.
We are eager to receive feedback directly from our customers (those who reside with Bethanie and/or those who receive Bethanie services) or from family members of our customers.
Please click on the following link to complete the confidential 10-minute survey. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
4 May 2020
The National Cabinet will consider easing restrictions as early as next Friday, but a key consideration will be the download rate of the COVIDSafe app. The Prime Minister Scott Morrison today said, "We'll be looking at all the matters that are currently subject to restrictions, and we'll be reviewing that and making decisions about which are the ones we can move on."
Bethanie encourages you to download the new Australian Government contact-tracing app, COVIDSafe to your mobile phone. The free app lets you know if you have been in close contact with someone who is also using the app and has tested positive for COVID-19.
30 April 2020
Thank you for working with us to keep Bethanie Villages safe from COVID-19, and for respecting the communal facility closures and social distancing rules.
In a bid to ensure families and friends can stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Premier announced indoor and outdoor gatherings for up to 10 people are now allowed in Western Australia. While this announcement is encouraging, we must continue to play our part in keeping our community safe from COVID19. Please continue to follow the Government’s advice to stay at home and only leave for what you need.
To support the lifting of restrictions, we are pleased to announce the following changes across Bethanie Villages which will be implemented slowly and with significant caution by your Village teams:
Please contact your Village Manager if you need any further support or information. Together, let’s continue to practice the principles of hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and to keep the community safe.
28 April 2020
Considering the Premier’s announcement allowing indoor and outdoor gatherings for up to 10 people, Bethanie is reviewing the current restrictions in place within Retirement Villages. We will provide an update on the changes and what they mean for Bethanie residents, in upcoming customer and family communications.
In a bid to ensure families and friends can stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor and outdoor gatherings for up to 10 people are now allowed in Western Australia.
In an announcement by the Premier Mark McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook on 26 April, the changes follow the encouraging and successful response to the pandemic in Western Australia, lifted from the two-person only limit.
You can find the full Media Statement here.
22 April 2020
It is encouraging to see the very low number of reported COVID-19 cases in Western Australia this week. It is a testament to all West Australians for following social distancing advice and staying at home.
The Prime Minister last week announced Coronavirus restrictions and closures across Australia will remain in place for at least another four weeks. We understand that staying indoors and away from loved ones for another four weeks may could feel challenging, but it is critical that we do not become complacent with social distancing during this time.
Please continue to stay at home unless you need to go to essential medical appointments. Bethanie can support you with accessing essential supplies and we ask you to keep all visitors to essential visits only.
Please continue to contact your Village Manager for any assistance, even for a chat.
17 April 2020
Following a National Cabinet meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister announced Coronavirus restrictions and closures across Australia will remain in place for at least another four weeks.
The Prime Minister said three main requirements would need to be met before social distancing measures can be relaxed – a broader testing regime, better contact tracing and greater ability to lockdown local outbreaks.
National Cabinet will use the next four weeks to get these three requirements in place.
Until such time, as a valued member of the Bethanie family, we encourage you to continue to follow the Government’s advice to stay at home and only leave for what you need - to exercise, to go to work, for medical reasons or to provide care for someone. We must continue to remain vigilant to protect the Bethanie and wider community.
We understand that staying indoors and away from loved ones for another four weeks may not be what you want to hear. If you are going to be anywhere in the world right now, our first pick would be Australia and particularly Western Australia. Our Federal and State Governments have acted swiftly on COVID-19, on both a health care and economic front, and we continue to place trust in their decisions around keeping us safe.
15 April 2020
Thank you to everyone for staying home and making the required social distancing sacrifices over the Easter period. We hope you had a lovely time at home and were able to connect with friends and loved ones by telephone and technology. Bethanie was also pleased to provide essential services and support for customers over the Easter period.
Please continue to stay at home unless you need to go to essential medical appointments. Bethanie can support you with accessing essential supplies and we ask you to keep all visitors to essential visits only.
We are here to help. Please continue to contact your Village Manager for any assistance, even a chat.
8 April 2020
All Village residents have now received a letter outlining the changes Bethanie has made to the way we operate, including restricting visitors to Bethanie Retirement Villages sites. We would like to thank those residents who have provided feedback on the recent changes, including their experiences of the impacts.
Whilst we understand the changes have been upsetting for some residents, we would like to reiterate that the measures we have put in place have been driven by the Government and are in the best interests of all village residents, staff, and our community.
We will continue to support you to ensure you receive the essential services you require including home care, on site meal preparation or meal delivery, laundry services, emergency maintenance and visitors to drop off essential supplies. We encourage you to contact your Village Manager for any assistance, even just to have a chat.
While this year Easter will be a very different experience for many residents, please enjoy connecting with loved ones safely, ideally at home through technology.
6 April 2020
We trust you are finding our daily updates informative. We would like to let you know that we will only be sending you these daily updates over the Easter period should there be a significant Government announcement or change that impacts the Bethanie community.
1 April 2020
To protect our vulnerable Village residents, we have made the decision to restrict visitors to Bethanie Retirement Villages and have made changes to the normal way that we operate. We will continue to support you to ensure you receive the essential services you require including home care, on site meal preparation or meal delivery, laundry services, emergency maintenance and visitors to drop off your essential supplies.
Where we have an e-mail address for you, we are also sending daily COVID-19 updates. If you would like to be included on this list, please share your email address with your Village Manager. From time to time, we also send text messages (SMS) to customers. This could be for important or urgent information we need to get to you or your family members. We encourage you to provide your email and phone number and/or next of kin/family member. This enables us to proactively keep you informed and safe.
We understand that Village residents will require more specific details and information on how this impacts each site and community, as well as how Bethanie will communicate these changes and provide support to access essential supplies. This week you will receive a letter from Bethanie outlining these changes and where you can get support. We are here to help.
30 March 2020
Increased education and training are just some of the measures Bethanie has put in place to manage the safety and care of customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. On 1 April online refresher training on Infection Prevention and Control best practice procedures, including protocols for COVID-19, will be mandatory for all Bethanie staff and volunteers to complete.
To slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, the Prime Minister announced on 20 March the previous gathering limit of 10 people has now been reduced to two. Exceptions to this limit include people of the same household going out together, funerals (a maximum of 10 people), weddings (a maximum of 5 people) and family units. These measures will be in place from midnight 30 March.
He recommended everyone should stay home unless you are shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising, or travelling to work or education.
Whilst we can place restrictions on visitors entering our Aged Care Homes, at Bethanie Retirement Villages and Bethanie Housing sites it may be more difficult to do this (depending on the site). It is important that residents at these sites discourage visitors coming to site to see them, unless they are providing an essential service (such as delivering groceries, medication, care services etc.).
26 March 2020
The Bethanie Group has made the decision, in the best interest of the Bethanie community, to lock down some of our business operations, effective 6pm Friday 27 March 2020.
This lockdown means communal facilities will be closed within Retirement Villages and we are exploring options for how we support Village residents.
We would like to give you more certainty around the length of time that these measures will be in place, however the lifting of these measures will be directed by the Government.
This lockdown is symbolic of our rigorous approach to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
25 March 2020
The COVID-19 outbreak is changing the way we are all living, and this is true for the residents of our retirement villages. We have installed signs and posters around common areas on good hand, cough and sneeze hygiene practices. Please keep safe by following the advice so to minimise the risk of exposure to and/or transmission of the virus.
We encourage residents to consider how you are living your life and to follow the principles of social distancing. For some, this will mean choosing to self-isolate in order to minimise the risk of infection within your community.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created significant uncertainty, especially in aged care. To protect older Australians and those with compromised immune systems we need to work together to help stop or slow down the spread of COVID-19. Doing the right thing has never been more important:
Bethanie would like to thank you for your ongoing support and reassure you that we are doing everything within our control to inform customers and staff to apply practices and procedures to manage the risk of COVID-19, whilst delivering quality care to the people we serve.
20th Jan 2021
Being part of the Melbourne COVID Emergency Response Team
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22nd Oct 2020
Bethanie heroes return from the COVID frontline.
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9th Sep 2020
Army tactics and corporate psychology were just some of the strategies used by Bethanie
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24th Aug 2020
Hear from one of our Outbreak Response Team participants and how she is preparing to combat COVID-19
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