COVID-19 News
COVID-19 News is updated regularly, please click here to access.
COVID-19 News is updated regularly, please click here to access.
Below is an outline of the restrictions for Fresh Hope Care Residential Care facilities. This is in line with NSW Health advice for Aged Care Facilities due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
People will not be permitted entry to any residential aged care facility if:
Some exceptions may apply on compassionate grounds. These should be discussed with the Director of Nursing/Site Manager at the facility.
Entry process:
Visitor restrictions:
Resident outings:
Residents continue to be able to leave the facility to attend small family gatherings.
As NSW Health advice is regularly updated, there may be changes to restrictions and guidelines, so it is important to adhere to direction of Fresh Hope Care staff. If you are planning a visit and have any questions about the process or restrictions, please call ahead to the site.
Whether you’re a prospective residential aged care resident or a close family member, you will no doubt have some preconceived ideas about aged care. Common thoughts include fears of loneliness, mistreatment, and the loss of independence. Add in the fact that we are going through a global pandemic and of course the whole process is going to feel daunting and overwhelming.
Yes, it’s an emotional decision and time – just like any change is, but the reality of aged care is surprisingly comforting. We spoke to a few residents and family members at Fresh Hope Care’s Ashwood Residential Care Service and they say the stereotypical assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth.
The staff have the residents’ best interest at heart
Jim explains how much he appreciates the staff who care for his wife, “They do not look after her like a resident, they look after her like a mother. They go the extra mile when caring for her. Even when they are under pressure, the work they do is fantastic.”
Eswari agrees, “It’s over two years since my mother-in-law moved into Ashwood. The management, nurses and staff are extremely caring, committed and dedicated in providing quality service.”
The vibe is friendly, comfortable and accepting
It’s a close-knit community where everyone is respected and accepted. Marie explains, “It is very homely here and it has a loving atmosphere.”
“I made the right decision by moving into Ashwood”, says Roy. “The art of living is not to live well, it’s to live easy’ – I have accomplished this.”
Caroline shares how friendly and helpful everyone is, “It’s a lovely environment for my uncle.”
Continuous improvement is of the utmost importance
Eswari says, “Feedback from resident relatives is considered and implemented. During the COVID lockdown, the nurses kept me abreast of my mother-in-law’s progress daily.”
Jim is equally happy with communication and opportunities to provide feedback, “I feel I made the best decision of my life. I am very lucky and blessed to have my wife looked after so well. I always chat to the staff and I’m welcome to sit down with management at any time.”
To learn more about aged care in Australia, including the process, fee structure and the options available, please download our guide titled, ‘Residential Care: Everything You Need to Know’ here. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of our team at Ashwood on (02) 7809 8700 or visit the Ashwood webpage here.
We have received updated advice from NSW Health regarding visitor restrictions.
Visitor restrictions remain in place, this includes no more than two visitors per resident at a time are permitted inside the facility. We request that visits be coordinated to comply with this limit. Different people may visit throughout each day.
People will not be permitted entry to any residential aged care service if:
Additional requirements:
Entry process:
Resident outings:
We will endeavour to keep you informed of any changes as soon as they occur. Please check with the service you are planning to visit prior to you commencing travel to ensure you are aware of any local Public Health requirements in additional to those of NSW Health.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the relevant Manager of Residential Services/Director of Nursing.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this challenging time.
Visitor restrictions for:
Kiama has remained a much-loved destination for Sydney, Illawarra and south coast families, and also why, trusted Retirement and Aged Care operator, Fresh Hope, pin-pointed Kiama as home for a magnificent, new retirement community.
In a major step forward for Fresh Hope and Kiama, the soon-to-be-announced coastal retirement project has just received Development Approval from Kiama Council.
Centrally located on 33 Collins Street, the development will offer 56 architect-designed retirement apartments, spread over 3 and 4 storey buildings.
Along with ample basement parking, the village community’s residents will enjoy communal courtyard green spaces and enticing roof-terraces as well as a lounge, gym and workshops.
The visionary approach to retirement on the coast is the very latest retirement development by not-for-profit organisation Fresh Hope, who currently operate eight Independent Living Retirement Villages and eight Residential Care Services in regional and metropolitan locations throughout New South Wales.
Partnering with renowned builders, Ganellen, this development will set a new benchmark in retirement apartment living, designed to create and nurture a close-knit and like-minded neighbourhood village community spirit.
Lynn Bailey, Executive General Manager of Fresh Hope Care, said her team could see the positive connections of holidays and weekend trips to Kiama that both local and city retirees and their families would respond fondly to.
“Our vision is for retirees to feel free to just be themselves. And what better place than this oh-so well-known and loved coastal township of Kiama, to achieve that.”
Media enquiries:
Lynn Bailey, Executive General Manager of Fresh Hope Care NSW – (02) 8573 6003
We have received updated advice from NSW Health regarding visitor restrictions.
Until further notice Residential Care Services in Northern Area of the Northern Beaches, City of Wollongong, Cumberland City Council, or the Canterbury Ward of Canterbury Bankstown Council must exclude Visitors, except those performing essential caring functions. Effective for Ashwood (Shaw House, Ashwood House, Crawford Lodge) and McCauley Lodge Residential Care Services.
Visitors from Northern Area of the Northern Beaches, City of Wollongong, Cumberland City Council or the Canterbury Ward of Canterbury Bankstown Council are not permitted to visit Residents in residential aged care facilities including regional areas. Effective for Alexander Campbell House, Coffs Haven Residential Care Service, Greenhills Residential Care Service, The Glen Residential Care Service, Clelland Lodge and Borella House. No more than two visitors to a resident a day are permitted, so we request that visits be coordinated to comply with this limit.
People will not be permitted entry to any residential aged care service if:
Additional requirements:
Entry process:
Resident outings:
We will endeavour to keep you informed of any changes as soon as they occur. Please check with the service you are planning to visit prior to you commencing travel to ensure you are aware of any local Public Health requirements in additional to those of NSW Health.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself or the Manager of Residential Services/Director of Nursing concerned.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this challenging time.
We have received updated advice from NSW Health regarding visitor restrictions for Greater Sydney and surrounding areas.
Until at least 11.59pm on Wednesday 6 January 2021 all Residential Care Services in Greater Sydney area (including Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong City Council) must exclude Visitors, except those performing essential caring functions. Effective for Alexander Campbell House, Ashwood (Shaw House, Ashwood House, Crawford Lodge) and McCauley Lodge Residential Care Services.
For that same period visitors from Greater Sydney are not permitted to visit Residents in residential aged care facilities including regional areas. Effective for Coffs Haven Residential Care Service, Greenhills Residential Care Service, The Glen Residential Care Service, Clelland Lodge and Borella House.
People will not be permitted entry to any residential aged care service if:
FHC Regional Visitor restrictions:
Entry process:
Resident outings:
Some exceptions may apply on compassionate grounds. These should be discussed with the Manager of Residential Services/Director of Nursing.
We will endeavour to keep you informed of any changes as soon as they occur. Please check with the service you are planning to visit prior to you commencing travel to ensure you are aware of any local Public Health requirements in additional to those of NSW Health.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself or the Manager of Residential Services/Director of Nursing concerned.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this challenging time.
Barbara Nalder is a resident at Forestville Retirement Village and has been sewing face masks for her family.
We have received updated advice from NSW Health regarding visitor restrictions over the Christmas period.
All Residential Care Services in NSW outside of the Northern Beaches LGA can permit visitors until at least 11:59pm on Wednesday 30 December under the restrictions advised by NSW Health. These are outlined below.
People will not be permitted entry to any residential aged care service if:
Visitor restrictions:
Entry process:
Resident outings (Greater Sydney Region – Ashwood and McCauley):
Resident outings (Regional services – Coffs, Green Hills, Clelland, The Glen and Borella):
Some exceptions may apply on compassionate grounds. These should be discussed with the Manager of Residential Services/Director of Nursing at the facility.
If visits can be delayed and a later festive gathering organised please consider doing this to keep your loved ones as safe as possible.
We will endeavour to keep you informed of any changes as soon as they occur.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself or the Manager of Residential Services/Director of Nursing concerned.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this challenging time. I wish you a Merry Christmas and I hope you are able to enjoy celebrating with your loved ones, whether that be in person or virtually.
Updated advice issued by NSW Health indicates an increase in the areas with active cases of COVID-19.
Alexander Campbell House is in the Northern Beaches LGA and due to the increased risk of COVID-19 in the area, NSW Health has advised that visitors remain unable to be permitted until at least 11.59pm on Wednesday 30 December 2020. Those performing essential caring functions can continue to visit. Residents at Alexander Campbell House should not leave the facility to attend family gatherings and/or group excursions unless the visit is essential (such as a medical appointment).
Whilst visit restrictions are in place, is it important to maintain relationships through phone calls or Zoom. Fresh Hope Care can offer video calling devices to residents and encourage you to take advantage of this option. To arrange this and book a time, please contact the Manager of Residential Care Services.
Keep up-to-date with the list of NSW affected areas and the advice for those who may be affected.
We appreciate your support and assistance by complying with ongoing restrictions.