COVID-19 News
COVID-19 News is updated regularly, please click here to access.
International Nurses Day: Celebrating our nurses
The 12th of May is celebrated every year as International Nurses Day – a day to honour nurses across the world and acknowledge their dedication and service to society. It also commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale who made instrumental contributions to the field of nursing.
Long before a global pandemic brought ‘frontline workers’ into everyday vernacular, nurses have been on the frontlines administering care and tirelessly giving of themselves to the wellbeing of others in every sector of society.
This year’s theme is A voice to lead: Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health focusing on the need to protect, support and invest in the nursing profession to strengthen health systems around the world.
The recognition that nurses must lead conversations in investing in healthcare and speak into the gaps that have been exposed in these systems, has never been more evident than in the past two years.
According to the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census, the impact of the pandemic was intensely felt in the aged care sector and overall, while Australia managed to minimise deaths related to Covid-19, these disproportionately affected those residing in aged care facilities.*
With approximately 22,000 registered nurses in the aged care workforce in Australia, the strain and pressure on nursing staff in this sector has been immense and their extraordinary efforts over the last two years dealing with the pandemic and supporting residents while they were isolated from their families for long periods of time, is nothing short of exemplary.
Sarah Ramsey, Head of Aged Care Services at Fresh Hope says, “Here in our very own Fresh Hope community, we have nurses who not only bring their skills, but in a sector that has faced significant challenges over the past few years, they bring their optimism, compassion, comfort and meaningful connection to our residents every day.”
So to our nursing staff across all Fresh Hope communities, we commend you and thank you for the commitment you have to quality care in our residential care services.
*https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/10/2020-aged-care-workforce-census.pdf
Shadow Minister visits Ashwood Residential Care Service
On Thursday afternoon, residents and staff at Ashwood Aged Care Residence had the great opportunity to meet with the Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Ms Clare O’Neil and Member for Parramatta, Mr Andrew Charlton.
Anjee Seekcun and her team hosted the afternoon and Ms O’Neil and Mr Charlton were warmly welcomed with a sumptuous afternoon tea and enjoyed the chance to chat with our residents, staff and also Lynn Bailey, Director of Seniors Communities and Fresh Hope CEO, Dan Dwyer.
Over tea and cupcakes, residents shared openly with the visitors about their experience at Ashwood and ideas and possible opportunities for change within the service. Ms O’Neill and Mr Charlton also met with a number of staff ranging from care, kitchen to maintenance team members asking for honest feedback and what they could do to better advocate for them.
Ms O’Neil took great interest in our services and the different issues we face in the sector. Lynn shared the understandable challenges we have had with staffing, particularly over the last two years, and how the funding model needs reviewing. Dan also voiced the challenges faced with the lengthy process in the master planning for the redevelopment of the site.
Ashwood Aged Care Residence was the first residential care service established by Churches of Christ in 1938, accommodating over 170 residents. The redevelopment we are working towards at Pendle Hill will enhance the existing facilities to create a vibrant intergenerational community and provide additional and improved housing for residents while ensuring best practice and innovation is adopted across the site.
Lynn shared, “We’re so grateful for the time the Shadow Minister and member for Parramatta spent with us and their genuine interest in our work here. Thank you also to Anjee and her exceptional team for hosting the afternoon so well.”
Fresh Hope Care prepares for future services in Thirroul
Not-for-profit aged care organisation, Fresh Hope Care have announced today that they will be discontinuing their services at McCauley Lodge, Thirroul, as of 21st August 2022.
Director Seniors Communities, Lynn Bailey says, “Fresh Hope Care has actively provided residential aged care and retirement living communities to the Thirroul community since 1965. Last year we shared with residents, staff and our neighbours that we were taking steps to review our site to design and build a new residential aged care and retirement living community to replace our current one, which is in need of a major upgrade.”
“The requirements of aged care buildings means we will not be able to continue to accommodate residents as we pursue our Development Application. As we will not compromise on the safety and health of our residents, we are left with no option but to propose the closure of McCauley Lodge Residential Care Service.”
“We have informed our McCauley Lodge residents and their families and are working with them to identify alternative accommodation arrangements. We are also working closely with our staff teams to help with the transition. Those living in our Tasman Court Retirement Community will not be impacted by the closure.”
“We are, of course, disappointed that we aren’t able to offer our services whilst we develop plans for the site, but we are optimistic about the opportunities that lay ahead of us to provide services that meet the needs of the seniors’ community in Thirroul.”
Magnolia Worry Worms
The Magnolia Cottage clients and staff produced, packed and delivered Worry Worms for Random Acts of Kindness Day. Worry Worms have been described as a Fidget Toy, Pocket Worm, Stress Relief, Anxiety Helper and Mental Health Toy. They are crocheted or knitted little tactile friends that are small enough to keep in your pocket and are meant to encourage emotional wellbeing and mental health.
The Worry Worms had a lovely poem attached and were delivered by Richard McLachlan to Toni Beetson-spires at Clelland Lodge for their residents, the local and Wollongong hospital, the vet and neighbours next to the cottage. Kevin Emery, Tony Messner and other clients hid them in the local park for the community to find. Everyone enjoyed the project so much that we will be continuing throughout the year to drop them off at other organisations such as frontline workers.
Individual outings and group excursions – 22 February 2022
Residents can leave the facility and attend family gatherings or for other reasons such as group excursions organised by the facility, but must abide by the Public Health (COVID-19 General Order) 2021 as outlined in existing NSW Health advice:
- Facilities are to ensure that residents are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, infection control and mask-wearing advice when they leave the facility.
- Residents are to be guided about COVID safe behaviours, including physical distancing and hand hygiene.
- The event complies with the current Public Health (COVID-19 19 General Order) 2021.
- Families of residents must also consider advice here when taking their loved ones out of the facility to attend family gatherings. Families may wish to voluntarily have a test (e.g. rapid antigen test) prior to the event
There is no requirement for COVID-19 testing or self-isolation for residents on return to the facility from an outing unless they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19. However, testing (e.g. rapid antigen testing) may be considered for any resident returning from a large family gathering 5-7 days after the event.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL SERVICES – 9 FEBRUARY 2022
Visitors will be welcome to Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Services provided:
- they are over 12 years and have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before their visit and provide suitable evidence of this (unless they can provide a COVID-19 medical contraindication certificate)
- they have not returned from any other country in the past 7 days (they must have had a negative Rapid Antigen Test taken on or after day 7 following their arrival, otherwise they will need to wait 14 days before visiting)
- they do not have a fever (37.5 degrees or higher) or any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. These include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or loss of smell. Other reported symptoms of COVID-19 include muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, and loss of appetite
- they are not a close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are not within their isolation period
- they do not live in a household with a person who is currently isolating
- they are not waiting for a COVID-19 test result
Visits must be:
- no more than one visitor per resident, per day
- in the resident’s room or outdoor area where appropriate
Visitors must:
- Check-in using the Service NSW QR code (or manually record your contact number)
- Answer screening questions If you have any symptoms, have been asked to self-isolate or have been to any areas of concern, entry will not be permitted.
- Provide evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination
- Submit to a temperature check
- Wear a surgical mask or any additional PPE that may be required in line with NSW Health recommendations.
Doing the right thing is as important as always:
- Practice hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or handwashing
- Exercise personal responsibility for physical distancing measures
- Self-isolate if you are unwell or have recently returned from overseas or interstate
- Follow Government guidelines if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
Resident outings:
Residents are permitted to leave the Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Service, however, residents and family members will be provided with an information sheet explaining the risks. A risk assessment will be completed before the outing and again upon their return and they may be required to isolate and undergo a PCR test (nose and throat swab) or Rapid Antigen Test. This will apply anytime a resident leaves the service.
Support and contact options:
Fresh Hope Care has arrangements in place to support you to stay in touch with your loved ones, especially when you are unable to see them in person. We can offer video calling devices to residents and encourage you to take advantage of this option to maintain relationships while visit restrictions are in place.
Should you have any questions about visitor access or need to discuss visiting under exceptional circumstances, such as the end of life, please contact the Service directly.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate the challenges the pandemic continues to present.
Congratulations to Stephanie Elliot on being one of The Australasian College of Health Service Managers (ACHSM NSW) Health Manager Leadership Award Winners (Aged Care)
The 2021 ACHSM NSW Health Manager Leadership Awards was held on 6 December and focused on recognising outstanding Health Management leadership in the Aged Care sector. This year, in particular, Health Managers in Aged Care have been required to draw on their leadership skills and attributes, demonstrating daily their resilience, perseverance and a strong commitment to teamwork when leading through uncertainty.
Fresh Hope Care’s manager of residential services, Stephanie Elliott, received the NSW Health Manager Leadership Award Winner (Aged care).
She was nominated by her peers because:
Since commencing in her current role in 2020 Stephanie has done an outstanding job in improving the care and wellbeing of residents as well as improving staff engagement.
This year Stephanie ran a kindness initiative on-site to encourage staff with their agreed team charter. In a recent staff engagement survey undertaken across the whole organisation, Stephanie’s site had the highest level of staff engagement, an outstanding result and testament to her leadership.
Stephanie is a hands-on Manager who is currently mentoring two young RNs as Care Managers. With her mentoring and support these staff have developed the passion and skills required to meet the future needs of the aged care workforce. Stephanie knows and understands the needs of her residents and instils this resident focus across her team.
In June 2021 a redevelopment of the Green Hills site was announced which required the closure of an existing building. This resulted in the relocation of 60 residents and significant staffing changes. The initial time frame for implementation was 6 months, however under Stephanie’s leadership all residents were successfully relocated, and staffing changes were implemented within three months, without any care or industrial issues. Stephanie is a fitness enthusiast who leads twice-weekly boot camp for staff as well as a 5-minute burst of exercise to start key Aged Care Meetings, which have now become legendary through the broader organisation. 
Stephanie Elliot is pictured above right.
“We are so pleased that Steph has been recognised for her tremendous contributions to Fresh Hope Care this year. She is every bit deserving of this award.” – Lynn Bailey
Planning proposal for Fresh Hope’s Pendle Hill site in its final stages
Monday 20th December 2021
The planning proposal for Fresh Hope’s Pendle Hill site is in its final stages and the draft voluntary planning agreement for the Pendle Hill site is presently on public exhibition for feedback on Cumberland City Council’s website via the following link:
https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/dunmore-street-draft-vpa.
At its meeting on 4 August 2021, Cumberland City Council resolved to prepare and exhibit a voluntary planning agreement to deliver a range of public benefits both on and off-site including:
- a monetary contribution of $450,000 to fund public domain upgrades in the Pendle Hill Town Centre
- the refurbishment, ongoing maintenance, and public access and use of heritage-listed Dunmore House
- the dedication of four new units to Council to be used as affordable housing
- the provision of publicly accessible open space on the site
- ongoing maintenance of landscaping, public footpath linkages and public furniture in the publicly accessible open space.
The draft voluntary planning agreement has been prepared in consultation with Fresh Hope and Cumberland City Council who will work together to deliver the public benefits in future stages of the redevelopment.
Media enquiries:
Lynn Bailey, Director Seniors Communities of Fresh Hope Care 02 8573 6003
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL SERVICES – 30 NOVEMBER 2021
We have received an update from NSW Health in relation to visitors to residential aged care services who have recently returned from overseas. Visitors will not be able to enter any aged care service if they have been to an overseas country of concern in the past 14 days. Furthermore, visitors will not be able to enter if they have been to other overseas countries (not of concern) unless they are fully vaccinated and have received a negative PCR test at least 7 days after their arrival into NSW.
The below outlines the current restrictions.
Visitors will be welcomed to Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Services provided:
- they are over 12 years and have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their visit and provide suitable evidence of this (unless they can provide a COVID-19 medical contraindication certificate) OR they are under 12 years and are accompanied by a fully vaccinated visitor
- they have not returned from an overseas country of concern in the past 14 days
- they have not returned from any other country (not of concern) in the past 7 days (they must have had a negative PCR test taken on or after day 7 following their arrival, otherwise they will need to wait 14 days before visiting)
- they do not have a fever (37.5 degrees or higher) or any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. These include, fever, cough, headache, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or loss of smell. Other reported symptoms of COVID-19 include muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite
- they are not a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are not within their isolation period
- they do not live in a household with a person who is currently isolating
- they are not waiting for a COVID-19 test result
Visits must be:
- no more than four visitors per resident, per day (equating to two fully vaccinated visitors and two visitors aged under 12 years)
- in the resident’s room, in a designated outdoor area or alternative room where the resident and their visitors can keep apart from other residents
Visitors must:
- Check in using the Service NSW QR code (or manually record your contact number)
- Answer screening questions If you have any symptoms, have been asked to self-isolate or have been to any areas of concern, entry will not be permitted.
- Provide evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination
- Submit to a temperature check
- Wear a surgical mask.
Where visits include a child under 12 it is strongly recommended, where possible:
- the visit is in an outdoor area
- the child wear a surgical mask
- arrange Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) prior to a visit
Doing the right thing is as important as always:
- Practice hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or hand washing
- Exercise personal responsibility for physical distancing measures
- Self-isolate if you are unwell or have recently returned from overseas or interstate
- Follow Government guidelines if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
Resident outings:
Residents are permitted to leave the Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Service and attend small family gatherings or for other reasons, but they must abide by the current Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021.
We endeavour to keep information up to date on the Fresh Hope Care Website, or for further details about restrictions or entry process, please take a look at the COVID-19 news page on the Fresh Hope Care Website. However, as situations can change rapidly, we suggest checking for updates on the NSW Health website before visiting a Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Service.
Should you have any questions about visitor access or need to discuss visiting under exceptional circumstances, such as end of life, please contact the Service directly.
The letter which will be provided to all residents today detailing the changes is attached for your reference.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL SERVICES – 11 OCTOBER 2021
We have received an update from NSW Health today in relation to visitors to residential aged care services and resident outings. We are pleased to share all stay at home orders across NSW have now been lifted. Restrictions have now been eased to allow visitors in all NSW residential aged care services and to allow residents to leave. The below outlines the update to restrictions.
Visitors will be welcomed to Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Services provided:
- they have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their visit and provide suitable evidence of this (unless they can provide a COVID-19 medical contraindication certificate)
- they are aged 12 or over
- they have not been to any close, casual or monitor for symptoms locations in NSW OR Victoria, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory OR New Zealand in the last 14 days
- they do not a fever (37.5 degrees or higher) or any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. These include, fever, cough, headache, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or loss of smell. Other reported symptoms of COVID-19 include muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite
- they are not a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their isolation period
- they do not live in a household with a person who is currently isolating
- they are not waiting for a COVID-19 test result
Visits must be:
- no more than two visitors per resident, per day
- in the resident’s room, in a designated outdoor area or alternative room where the resident and their visitors can keep apart from other residents
Visitors must:
- Check in using the Service NSW QR code (or manually record your contact number)
- Answer screening questions If you have any symptoms, have been asked to self-isolate or have been to any areas of concern, entry will not be permitted
- Provide evidence of two COVID-19 vaccination doses (the second dose must be at least 14 days prior to entry)
- Submit to a temperature check
- Wear a surgical mask
Doing the right thing is as important as always:
- Practice hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or hand washing
- Exercise personal responsibility for physical distancing measures
- Self-isolate if you are unwell or have recently returned from overseas or interstate
- Follow Government guidelines if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
Resident outings:
Residents are permitted to leave the Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Service and attend small family gatherings or for other reasons, but they must abide by the current Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021.
Future changes:
- Further lifting of restrictions is expected to occur when NSW reaches the 80% vaccination target and again on the 1 December. The latest updates are available on the Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions
- By 31 October 2021 any health practitioners attending a residential aged care service under arrangement by the resident must have at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccination
We endeavour to keep information up to date here. However, as situations can change rapidly, we suggest checking for updates on the NSW Health website before visiting a Fresh Hope Care Residential Care Service.
Should you have any questions about visitor access or need to discuss visiting under exceptional circumstances, such as end of life, please contact the Service directly.
Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to welcoming you back to visit your loved one.