Alert Level 1 update: 9 Jun 2020
We are at Level 1. Yeah! This does mean a lot more freedom for everyone, including staff and residents at HBH. However due to the very frail and vulnerable situation of our residents, a few restrictions will remain. This is because although right now NZ has no Covid-19, this could change. Covid-19 is still widespread throughout the world, and as NZ opens up more and more over coming months, the risk of a second wave will become very real. Please note that HBH will consider increasing restrictions again to protect the well-being and health of our residents if the Covid-19 risk increases.
The small number of remaining restrictions and hygiene requirements will also protect our residents against other illness, such as colds, and tummy bugs, which often come in winter time.
Some of our remaining restrictions also arise from the positive aspects of Lockdown. Residents and staff found aspects of Lockdown life enjoyable, and we are trying to continue these on as we go into ‘life as normal’.
The following takes effect from Wednesday 10th June 2020:
VISITING
Our key message is to PLAY IT SAFE – If you are unwell do not visit. If you think you may have been exposed to Covid-19 or any other illness, do not visit.
Visiting hours
10am to 12 midday and then 1pm onwards 7 days per week. Please note that it has always been our practice to lock the door at 6pm. After that time you have to ring the bell to be admitted.
We are asking for no visitors during lunch. We have found during lockdown that many residents eat better when there are no interruptions from visitors. The exception is for volunteers and family member who usually assist with feeding people.
Entrances
All entrances, including the basement will be open.
When you arrive please:
- SIGN IN – using the tablet/ipad provided at the entrance
- Sanitise your hands
Length of visit
You can now visit for longer than 30 minutes at a time, however please be mindful of our residents energy levels. For someone very frail more frequent shorter visits can be more beneficial.
Who can visit?
All age groups, including under 16 years can now visit. However please DO NOT BRING CHILDREN IF THEY ARE UNWELL
Number of visitors
We are not placing a limit but we suggest that smaller groups of 2 to 3 are best. This enables some social distancing to be continued and is less fatiguing for frailer residents.
Outings
If appropriate to the health of your relative, you can take residents on outings. However, please do NOT go to crowded places, and maintain social distancing whenever possible amongst people you do not know.
Hygiene for visitors to aged residential care under Level 1:
- Wash your hands before you leave home
- Sanitise when you arrive at HBH
- You may hug your relative but we suggest some social distancing continues – this is a protection against all illnesses
- Keep social distance, 1 metre, from people you do not know when-ever possible, including if queuing to sign in
- Sanitise your hands when you leave HBH
- Please remember that you are visiting a frail older person, so when you are out and about in the community, take more care than average. Keep social distance when you can, keep strict hand hygiene etc, so that you do not bring anything into the facility when you visit.
- Keep a good record of where you go in the community, so that if there is a Covid-19 outbreak, you can quickly know if you might have been exposed and can let HBH know immediately
- Let us know IMMEDIATELY if you think you might be unwell with a communicable disease (eg cold, tummy bug), or have been exposed to Covid-19 and have visited HBH within the past 14 days. The sooner we know, the sooner we can take appropriate steps.
Day Club
Will be resuming at full capacity. The Day Club Team Leader will be in touch with clients about the details.
New admission and respite care
We are open for new admissions (when we have a vacancy) and for respite care. A Covid-19 assessment protect is required by the Ministry of Health and this is currently being reviewed by them to reduce requirements under Level 1. Our Social Worker will let you know what is required when you enquire.
Volunteers
Our volunteer programme will resume. Our Volunteer Co-ordinator will be in touch.
Thank you all for your co-operation. Our single focus since Covid-19 arrived in NZ was to keep our residents and staff safe. We have done that, so let’s remain vigilant, think of others, play it safe and keep it that way.
Regards
Bonnie Robinson
