COVID-19 News
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GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS TO FRESH HOPE CARE RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES
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:
- They have returned from overseas in the past 14 days.
- Within the past 14 days, they have visited any of the locations listed on the NSW Health website COVID-19 news page with instruction to self-isolate and get tested immediately or monitor for symptoms.
- Within the past 14 days, they have been in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
- They a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees or with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, 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.
Some exceptions may apply on compassionate grounds. These should be discussed with the Director of Nursing/Site Manager at the facility.
Entry process:
- All visitors to Fresh Hope Care facilities are required to scan the QR Code before entering the facility. For details please click here.
- Fresh Hope Care require that visitors only enter through the main entrance and report to staff at the concierge/reception desk to confirm their details, and submit to a temperature check.
Visitor restrictions:
- There are currently no limits to the number of visitors a resident can have at any one time, however physical distancing is still required so the number of visitors may need to be limited due to space.
- We encourage visitors to remain within the resident’s room or go to a designated outdoor area or alternative room where the resident and guests can keep apart from other residents.
- Visitors must undertake hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or hand washing upon entering and leaving the facility, and on entering and leaving the resident’s room (or designated visiting area).
Resident outings:
Residents continue to be able to leave the facility to attend small family gatherings.
- The size of a family gathering should be in line with current Government advice and physical distancing and hygiene measures must be adhered to during the visit.
- Outings should be planned to take place outdoors as much as possible. If planning a visit to an indoor location, choose venues that are well-ventilated and not crowded.
- Residents should wear face masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including shared transport, where possible.
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.
Does aged care make you nervous?
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.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS – MARCH 2, 2021
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:
- They have a temperature of 37.5 degrees or higher or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, runny nose, blocked nose congestion, sore throat, 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.
- Have been to Auckland, New Zealand in the last 14 days (in exceptional circumstances contact the Public Health Unit for advice).
- Live in the NSW areas of increased testing.
- Are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period.
- Live in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating.
- Are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
Additional requirements:
- Visitors must undertake hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or hand washing upon entering and leaving the facility, and on entering and leaving the resident’s room (or designated visiting area).
- We encourage visitors to remain within the resident’s room or go to a designated outdoor area or alternative room where the resident and guests can keep apart from other residents.
Entry process:
- All visitors to Fresh Hope Care residential services are required to scan the QR Code (if available to them) before entering the facility. For details please click here.
- Fresh Hope Care require that visitors only enter through the main entrance and report to staff at the concierge/reception desk to confirm their details and submit to a temperature check.
Resident outings:
- At outings and excursions attended by residents ensure that the event complies with the current Movement and Gathering Public Health Order and no one at the event:
- Have been to any of the locations on the NSW close contact or casual contact list at the times and dates listed.
- Haven been to Auckland, New Zealand in the last 14 days (in exceptional circumstances contact the Public Health Unit for advice).
- Has been a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period.
- Lives in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating.
- Is waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
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 – FEBRUARY 16, 2021
Visitor restrictions for:
Kiama’s new wave in retirement.
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
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES – JANUARY 7, 2021
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:
- They are a resident of the Northern Area of the Northern Beaches, City of Wollongong, Cumberland City Council or the Canterbury Ward of Canterbury Bankstown Council
- They have been to any locations on the self-isolate and get tested immediately list, at the times and dates listed
- They have been in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
- Live in a household with a person who is identified as a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19.
- They have a temperature of 37.5 degrees or higher or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, runny nose, blocked nose congestion, sore throat, 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.
Additional requirements:
- All staff and visitors must wear a surgical mask when on site.
- Visitors must undertake hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or hand washing upon entering and leaving the facility, and on entering and leaving the resident’s room (or designated visiting area).
- We encourage visitors to remain within the resident’s room or go to a designated outdoor area or alternative room where the resident and guests can keep apart from other residents.
Entry process:
- All visitors to Fresh Hope Care residential services are required to scan the QR Code (if available to them) before entering the facility. For details please click here.
- Fresh Hope Care require that visitors only enter through the main entrance and report to staff at the concierge/reception desk to confirm their details, and submit to a temperature check.
Resident outings:
- Until further notice, residents from residential aged care services in Northern Area of the Northern Beaches, City of Wollongong, Cumberland City Council or the Canterbury Ward of Canterbury Bankstown Council, including Ashwood (Shaw House, Ashwood House, Crawford Lodge), and McCauley Lodge Residential Care Services should not leave the facility to attend family gatherings and/or group excursions unless the visit is essential (such as a medical appointment).
- If a resident does leave the service for an unessential reason they will be required to go into 14-day self-isolation upon return.
- Residents of facilities located outside of these areas are able to leave the facility to attend family gatherings of fewer than 5 people, if there will be no persons at the event that during the last 14 days have been:
- residents Northern Area of the Northern Beaches, City of Wollongong, Cumberland City Council or the Canterbury Ward of Canterbury Bankstown Council.
- a close contact of a person confirmed with COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period
- in any of the locations listed on the have been to any of the latest COVID-19 locations in NSW at the times and dates listed, excluding the monitor for symptoms list
- living in a household with a person who is a close contact or otherwise currently self-isolating
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.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES – DECEMBER 30, 2020
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:
- They are a resident of the Northern Beaches LGA or have visited the Northern Beaches LGA on or after 10 December or they reside in Greater Sydney and surrounds.
- They have been to any locations on the self-isolate and get tested immediately list, at the times and dates listed and/or on the monitor for symptoms list, at the times and dates listed except where noted otherwise.
- They have been in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
- Live in a household with a person who is identified as a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19.
- They have a temperature of 37.5 degrees or higher or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, runny nose, blocked nose congestion, sore throat, 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.
FHC Regional Visitor restrictions:
- Visitor restrictions remain in place for regional areas, this includes no more than two visitors to a resident a day, so we request that visits be coordinated to comply with this limit.
- All staff and visitors must wear a surgical mask when on site.
- Visitors must undertake hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or hand washing upon entering and leaving the facility, and on entering and leaving the resident’s room (or designated visiting area).
- We encourage visitors to remain within the resident’s room or go to a designated outdoor area or alternative room where the resident and guests can keep apart from other residents.
Entry process:
- All visitors to Fresh Hope Care residential services are required to scan the QR Code before entering the facility. For details please click here.
- Fresh Hope Care require that visitors only enter through the main entrance and report to staff at the concierge/reception desk to confirm their details, and submit to a temperature check.
Resident outings:
- Until at least 11.59pm on Wednesday 6 January 2021, residents from residential aged care services in Greater Sydney, including Alexander Campbell House, Ashwood (Shaw House, Ashwood House, Crawford Lodge), and McCauley Lodge Residential Care Services should not leave the facility to attend family gatherings and/or group excursions unless the visit is essential (such as a medical appointment).
- If a resident does leave the service for an unessential reason they will be required to go into 14-day self-isolation upon return.
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.
Forestville resident Barbara sews face masks
Barbara Nalder is a resident at Forestville Retirement Village and has been sewing face masks for her family.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES OUTSIDE OF THE NORTHERN BEACHES – DECEMBER 23, 2020
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:
- They are a resident of the Northern Beaches LGA or have visited the Northern Beaches LGA on or after 10 December.
- They have been to any locations on the self-isolate and get tested immediately list, at the times and dates listed and/or on the monitor for symptoms list, at the times and dates listed except where noted otherwise.
- They have been in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
- Live in a household with a person who is identified as a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19.
- They a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees or with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, runny nose, blocked nose congestion, sore throat, 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.
Visitor restrictions:
- Visitor restrictions remain in place, this includes no more than two visitors to a resident a day, so we request that visits be coordinated to comply with this limit.
- All staff and visitors must wear a surgical mask when on site.
- Visitors must undertake hand hygiene using sanitiser and/or hand washing upon entering and leaving the facility, and on entering and leaving the resident’s room (or designated visiting area).
- We encourage visitors to remain within the resident’s room or go to a designated outdoor area or alternative room where the resident and guests can keep apart from other residents.
Entry process:
- All visitors to Fresh Hope Care residential services are required to scan the QR Code before entering the facility. For details please click here.
- Fresh Hope Care require that visitors only enter through the main entrance and report to staff at the concierge/reception desk to confirm their details, and submit to a temperature check.
Resident outings (Greater Sydney Region – Ashwood and McCauley):
- Until at least 11.59pm on Wednesday 30 December 2020, residents from residential aged services in Greater Sydney, including Ashwood and McCauley Lodge Residential Care Services should not leave the facility to attend family gatherings and/or group excursions unless the visit is essential (such as a medical appointment).
- If a resident does leave the service for an unessential reason they will be required to go into 14-day self-isolation upon return.
Resident outings (Regional services – Coffs, Green Hills, Clelland, The Glen and Borella):
- Residents can leave the facility to attend small family gatherings.
- The size of a family gathering should be in line with current Government advice and physical distancing and hygiene measures must be adhered to during the visit.
- There should be no people at the gathering who are not permitted to visit a residential care service as listed above.
- There should not be more than two people from Greater Sydney, excluding the Northern Beaches at the gathering.
- If these restrictions are not met then the resident will be required to self-isolate upon return.
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.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS TO ALEXANDER CAMPBELL HOUSE – DECEMBER 23, 2020
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.