Greek Australian aged care providers are taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of residents in light of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
Zoe Angeli, Executive Manager of Public Affairs and Communications at Fronditha Care, currently in full lockdown, described the coronavirus situation a Catch 22 for aged care with measures taken for the physical well-being of the residents being detrimental for their emotional well-being.

“The elderly are vulnerable and more at risk than others,” Ms Angeli told Neos Kosmos, adding that measures announced by Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison were implemented from the outset. Initially visitation was restricted to two people for 20 minutes per day and only close family members, but no children – away from communal areas. However, the decision for a full lockdown across all residential care facilities until Sunday 5 April was taken this week “to limit the risk of infection of coronavirus to our residents”. Furthermore, other social and lifestyle which the Fronditha facilities are renowned for have been stopped. “We ask ourselves, ‘Is it fatal having an experience which can be fun?'” Ms Angeli said.

“We have to make sure we safeguard them,” Ms Angeli said. “We are looking after the most vulnerable group and our focus is shifting from providing emotional support to keeping them safe.”

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Administrative staff tested the system this week by working from home, and it is hoped that solutions will be found for the residents. “We are looking at solutions we can implement through digital technology,” Ms Angeli said, however at the moment not even priests are allowed into the facilities whereas cleaning has been ramped up dramatically.

Pronia, which also provides programs to meet the health and care needs of the elderly, states that the current pandemic is “unprecedented and is having a considerable impact on people and communities at large”.

An announcement cancelled all planned activity groups, Greek cardiac groups, community forums and support groups from Monday, 23 March, onwards. Home Care Packages and respite programs will continue to support the elderly in remaining in their homes implementing all the measures that are announced by government and health officials. Casework and counselling services will continue to be available to clients who call 03 9388 9998.

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* If anyone suspects they have coronavirus disease they should self-isolate and call the 24 hour hotline on 1800 675 398.