After more than 260 days in lockdown since March 2020, with the most recent lockdown beginning in August 2021, Victorian aged care facilities welcomed back visitors on Friday 29 October 2021. A number of residents at Kilmore District Health’s Caladenia and Dianella Aged Care facilities were delighted to see loved ones.
Dianella resident Elizabeth (Betty) Bowdern said “it was so nice to see the family, it had been a long time, I missed them dearly”.
Dianella Manager, Bernie Lavars and Acting Nurse Unit Manager Caladenia, Jamie Duffy acknowledged the dedicated work of staff to ensure residents were kept busy and in touch with family and friends. “Our staff continually looked ‘outside the box’ to keep our residents in contact with those that couldn’t visit, through phone calls, video chats and window visits. Daily activities increased to ensure residents stayed engaged and active and milestones and events were celebrated, on top of the health care the staff provide day in and day out”.
To ensure resident’s and staff are kept as safe as possible, all visitors are asked to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test before they enter the building, as well as wearing a surgical mask when in common areas. We encourage small numbers of visitors at a time and where possible, time is spent with residents in their room or in the beautiful outdoor courtyard areas.
Caladenia and Dianella are now able to again offer inspections for potential residents and a support person. Taking a guided tour is the perfect way to commence the transition into aged care or a short-term respite stay. It is a chance to view the facilities, meet the team and ask any questions you may have.
For more information on Kilmore District Health’s Aged Care facilities, please visit https://www.kilmoredistricthealth.org.au/aged-care
