UPDATE ON THE USE OF PPE, COVID-19 TESTING, AND THE COLD AND FLU SEASON AT CARA
With the cold and flu season upon us, Cara is aware that we may see more of our staff and customers being tested for COVID-19.
As a valued customer, or loved one of a customer, we want to reassure you that we have careful processes in place to manage the COVID-19 health situation at Cara. Should a customer test positive for COVID-19, Cara will move quickly to isolate the customer where possible, and seek medical assistance, as appropriate. Staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be on sick leave, as will any staff who are not well (for example, staff sick with a common cold, flu or virus).
We are committed to stopping the spread of COVID-19, colds and flu, and other preventable illnesses at Cara. We have introduced new hygiene, cleaning and social distancing measures at all of our sites. This includes our staff using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves, where required.
As part of our commitment to being careful, Cara has trained our staff about when to wear PPE, and when to assist customers who can tolerate wearing masks to do so. This means that when you visit, you may see our staff and customers wearing PPE.
If you hear from your loved one that staff and customers are wearing PPE, do not be alarmed. Use of PPE does not mean there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 for a customer or staff member. It means we are taking a careful approach to prevent any cold and flu symptoms spreading.
Cara will contact you:
- If there is a positive COVID-19 result in your home or your loved one’s home and it directly affects you/them.
- We are bound by law to respect the privacy of our customers and staff, and if a customer or staff member is referred for COVID-19 testing or tests positive, we may not be able to tell you the name of the person who has been infected.
- Families, please be assured that we will contact you should your loved one become unwell, as per our usual processes.
We will not contact you about other confirmed cases within the Cara Community, unless it directly affects you or your loved one.
While the infection rate in South Australia remains low, we need to remain vigilant and we are committed to doing all that we can to keep our community safe. The pandemic continues to be a risk in Australia, particularly in Victoria, and our crisis response team are closely monitoring the national situation and planning for all scenarios. There may be changes to your or your loved one’s daily activities and routines, and to visiting schedules should the health situation in South Australia change, dependent on Government advice. We will continue to stay in touch with you, as we have throughout the pandemic.
People who visit your home or loved one will be asked to complete a health screening form, to prevent the potential spread of infection . This now includes a temperature check using a “no touch” infra-red thermometer. You should see visitors and staff wearing a sticky dot on their shirt to show that their temperature has been checked and it is in the normal range.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your Cara service, please don’t hesitate to contact the Cara Connect team on 08 8347 4588. If you have any general questions around COVID-19, please contact SA Health’s COVID-19 information line on 1800 253 787 or the National Coronavirus Information Helpline on 1800 020 080.
On behalf of everyone at Cara, thank you for your ongoing support during these times.
Liz Cohen
Chief Executive
