Fronditha Care has acknowledged statements made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy regarding isolation measures.
Mr Morrison and Professor Murphy spoke to the press following the National Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, sharing their worry on isolation measures put in place by aged care facilities.
“We are very concerned about the impact of restrictions that had been put in place in aged care facilities over and above what was recommended by the National Cabinet,” says Mr Morrison.
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Fronditha Care facilities have been in voluntary lock down since 19 February to limit the risk of the virus being contracted by more than 650 staff and close to 200 volunteers who oversee the 1000 elderly people in their care.
The aged care provider also ensures that in the meantime they are keeping residents active and engaged.
In a statement Fronditha Care says, “Staff resources have been increased. Lifestyle and activity programs have extended hours and more activity, to ensure residents are engaged; more personal care workers are supporting residents, especially during peak hours such as meal times. Connection with families has been encouraged through the adoption of digital communication tools and other initiatives.”
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Fronditha Care CEO Michael Malakonas attributed the great success of having no cases in any of the organisation’s facilities to its workforce.
He says, “Providers have been decisive in the adoption of measures to limit the risk of coronavirus, such as voluntary lock down, measures that have proven effective towards achieving this.”
Leading Aged Services Australia also released statement commending the aged care sector for taking swift and strict measures to avoid outbreaks.
“The reality is that, if providers in COVID-19 hotspots like Sydney and elsewhere had not gone beyond the official guidance when it was first issued there would likely have been many more outbreaks with dire consequences for the safety of residents and staff.”
