Statement Update: From VMCH CEO Sonya Smart

17 March 2020

17 Mar 2020

Statement 17 March 2020

Covid-19 update from VMCH

Keeping our aged care residents in touch with loved ones

The following comments may be attributed to VMCH CEO Sonya Smart in addition to the 16 March update at: https://vmch.com.au/news/statement-from-vmch-ceo-sonya-smart/

“Yesterday we announced a period of restricted visitation to VMCH aged care residences for at least the next 14 days from today (Tuesday 17 March 2020).

This is part of our plan to prioritise the health and safety of our residents, volunteers and staff as Covid-19 spreads through the broader community. Obviously, the elderly are most at risk as this virus spreads.

The VMCH aged care residences affected throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria include Clayton, Mulgrave, Bacchus Marsh, Pakenham, Torquay, Sunshine North, Balwyn, Berwick, Bundoora, Wantirna and Upper Ferntree Gully.

The wellbeing of residents and their loved ones is front of mind during this time and we will be facilitating as much other non-physical contact as possible. Contact by phone, face timing and other social media is already well used by residents – with friends and relatives interstate and overseas – but will be further encouraged over the coming weeks.

We know that aged care residents who are active and socially connected feel better mentality and physically,so all of our homes will work to increase in-house activities. We also have an important pastoral care service that will continue to provide direct face-to-face support to residents.

We strongly encourage family and friends to regularly call their loved ones at our homes over the coming weeks, as a familiar voice at the other end of the phone. Also, to receive the more traditional card or letter would be welcomed.

We will keep our clients, residents and families updated as the situation evolves and thank everyone for their support and understanding during this challenging time.”

More news articles in Residential Aged Care

View all

VMCH volunteer honoured

The power of music in palliative care

Honouring Women Who Inspire

Aged care centenarian celebrates birthday and country

Specialised dementia care changing lives

A safe haven for men’s health

Time for innovation in Palliative Care

Carol celebrates almost a half century of volunteering

Pastoral care at end-of-life a vital support

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.