As this latest COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve we would like to reassure you that Catholic Healthcare is here to support you with essential Home Care Services.
We are monitoring Government advice and keeping up-to-date with changing restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Here for you:
- Home Care is considered an essential service. All Home Care services delivered by Catholic Healthcare will continue as normal (unless circumstances change), with the exception of group indoor social and indoor exercise programs. The Department of Health allows outside activity in groups of up to 10 people.
- We have resumed comprehensive COVID-19 protocols consistent with government advice to minimise risk for clients and staff. Protocols include, updated mandatory staff training on infection control and handwashing; mask wearing; pre-visit screening; and reminding staff to stay home when they are unwell. We are also actively encouraging staff and clients to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Extra support available:
Shopping support - we can accompany and transport you to your local grocery store or help you make your purchases online. If you would prefer to remain in your home, we can also do your shopping for you and drop it off at your home.
Social support - our teams have adjusted our social support groups and can move these to one-on-one connection.
Check in phone calls - we can organise check in phone calls from one of our caring team members or volunteers to help support social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Vaccination support - Catholic Healthcare encourages senior Australians to access COVID-19 vaccinations. We can assist by booking your appointments on your behalf, providing transport as well as post-vaccination support.
Masks for clients - in Metropolitan Sydney and Central Coast, Nepean Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour all Home Care clients must wear a mask when staff are providing services in your home. This rule has been put in place to reduce the risk of infection to you and our staff. You can wear your own mask or your Community Worker can provide a mask to wear if you do not have your own. We recognise in some circumstances if you have respiratory issues, have difficulty communicating effectively through a mask or whilst showering that this requirement may need to be adjusted.
Masks for staff - all Catholic Healthcare staff are required to wear a mask while in your home, and we encourage everyone to practice social distancing and regular handwashing.
Email – to ensure our communication to you is easy and timely, please provide your Care Advisor with your email address. If you have received this letter by email, thank you, we have your email address on file.
Latest COVID-19 Communication – visit the Catholic Healthcare website for the latest news and updates. Visit www.catholichealthcare.com.au.
Feeling unwell - You should isolate yourself at home if you have been identified as a close contact of a positive case of COVID-19 (until 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case). Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, even mild symptoms, should get tested at a COVID-19 testing clinic. If you are unwell, please inform our Customer Care team on 1800 225 474 for advice regarding getting tested and rescheduling your services.
Our Care Advisors are available to assist you. They can speak to you via video conferencing, by phone or if preferred, in person at your home.
For the latest information regarding COVID-19 including advice on actions to help prevent the spread of the virus, please visit the Department of Health website.
Thank you for your ongoing consideration and support.