1 May 2020
Regis Aged Care welcomes the constructive approach the National Cabinet adopted today in relation to the aged care sector and the announcement of additional funding to support providers responding to Covid-19.
Regis also welcomes the introduction of a voluntary Code of Conduct for visiting older people in aged care homes.
Regis responded rapidly to the escalating risk and from 17 March stopped general visitation in our homes for a period of six weeks, whilst still allowing compassionate visits over this time. Our approach safeguarded residents, their families, and our workforce until more was understood about the transmission of the virus through the community. We have reopened our homes to visitors today – with strict limits in place so we can continue to keep our residents safe as they engage with their families and friends.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Linda Mellors, has held several very productive conversations with Government and particularly the Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Richard Colbeck, in recent weeks. We are pleased that our positive relationship with Government allows these open discussions to occur and for responsible policies to be adopted.
Dr Mellors said: “The additional funding support announced by the Australian Government today is very warmly welcomed. Regis has invested significantly over the past two months to continue to support the safety and wellbeing of our residents and employees. The Government has recognised this and provided additional investment so that together we can keep our residents and employees as safe as possible”.
Regis continues to strongly support the Government’s efforts to encourage all Australians to download the COVIDSafe App and also to require all employees and visitors to aged care homes to have a current flu vaccination. Both measures will help residential aged care homes to keep our residents and employees safe from COVID-19.
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