How are we continuing to support you through the COVID 19 pandemic

At Palliative Care South East Ltd, we are committed to supporting our community to live well. We are taking actions to ensure we align our service model with advice from the Department of Health and Human Services and support the safety and well being of our staff, volunteers and the community.

• We will continue to provide phone support and information 24/7
• In the best interests of our clients and carers, we will be undertaking our visits by phone or video conference when possible.
• We will be checking, by asking questions prior to our visits and confirming by phone and text that we are able to visit.
• This will limit travel of clients, staff and volunteers unless vital for care reasons.
• We will consider the needs of older adults, persons with disabilities, and others with access and functional challenges and prioritise our resources to ensure ongoing care and support.
• We will provide specialist phone consults to residential and aged care facilities to limit visitation and risk to those clients, we will always support their needs.
• We will follow the guidelines and advice of the Department of health and Human Services and collaborate with other community agencies to support continuity of care https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-update

Actions for people caring for a sick family member

If you look after or provide care for a sick family member with flu-like symptoms, remember to:

• Care for the sick person in a single room.
• Keep the door closed and windows open where possible.
• Keep the number of carer’s to a minimum.
• Always use a hand sanitiser before and after entering the room, or wash hands with soap and water.
• Keep the sick person’s crockery and utensils separate to the rest of the household.
• If available, wear a surgical mask (single-use face mask) when you are in the sick person’s room.
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly.
• Dispose of tissues and masks in a sealed plastic bag and put in the usual household waste.
• If your family member becomes very unwell, get medical help by calling your doctor (GP) or the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
• Visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for further information

Link to Monash Health’s Flu Clinics https://monashhealth.org/patients-visitors/coronavirus/

• An ambulance is not needed to transport people to the doctor (GP) or a hospital unless their condition is serious.  Alternative means of transport should be used including private car driven by the carer or an existing close contact (not bus, taxi or uber).
• For serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, dial 000 and ask for an ambulance.

Take personal action to reduce exposures and stay healthy

The most important action is to practice good hand hygiene.

Take the following steps to reduce your exposure and chances of getting ill with COVID-19:

Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus

• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Drywith paper towel or hand dryer.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication, ensure you have adequate supplies.
• Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
• Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.
• Don’t wear a face mask if you are well.
• Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
• Get the flu shot (available April).
• Shaking hands is optional!

Download, print and share these tips as a poster from the Department of Health and Human Services

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/Reduce%20your%20risk%20of%20coronavirus_Poster.pdf