Redlands aged care facilities focus on response strategies to COVID-19

Care facilities are putting strict restrictions in place to limit residents' risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection.

No visitors, including families are allowed to visit residents at the McKenzie Aged Care Group homes. The group who have facilities in Cleveland and Capalaba have activated additional strict infection control procedures.

"No visitors, including families are to visit the facility except under exceptional circumstances, such as a palliating resident," said the aged care group's spokesperson.

Hairdressers, volunteers, external entertainment and other non essential visitors have also been suspended for the time being.

"We are in the process of re-training all our team members on infection control and we have cancelled all staff non-essential travel including attending conferences and face-to-face meetings.

"We are vigilant in monitoring the situation and will continue to follow the advice of the state and federal governments as well as taking any additional actions we identify to protect the health and well-being of our residents, staff, families and the broader community," she said.

Aveo retirement and aged care who have homes in Cleveland and Redland Bay have released a statement on their website.

A committee has developed a response strategy to COVID-19, which has introduced a number of additional procedures including, an enhanced registration process for visitors and third-party service providers.

Aveo have increased education on personal hygiene and COVID-19 for staff, residents and visitors and reviewed its existing infection control plan.

They have been monitoring residents (and staff) who are planning, or returning from, international travel and advising them to adhere to self-isolation protocols in accordance with the Australian Department of Health advice.

A spokesperson from Cleveland Meals on Wheels said it was business as usual at Cleveland Meals on Wheels.

"Staff are always extremely conscious of the health and safety of their clients and volunteers.

"We have general safety policies in place and more particularly focus on health issues within our Food Safety Plan. With regard to coronavirus we have communicated with volunteers and clients on the need to keep us informed of any concerns," she said.

She added they were not limiting time with clients and reassured clients they would get their meals on time.

Meanwhile Woolworths and Coles Supermarkets have introduced temporary measures across stores to help support the shopping needs of the elderly and people with disability in the community.

The supermarkets will be opening exclusively for the elderly and those with a disability to shop from 7am to 8am. Shoppers are required to present a relevant government issued concession card.

The move has been prompted by the demand in supermarkets over the past week, which has seen many elderly and vulnerable people in the community missing out on vital items they may need when they shop.