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COVID-19 RESOURCES

For the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution, visit the Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 vaccines webpage.

For up-to-date information about the COVID-19 response, as well as current case numbers, medical advice and treatment, visit the Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert webpage.

For more information about what the COVID-19 rules and regulations mean to seniors as well as carers and health practitioners working with older Australians, browse the sections below.

Resources for Seniors and Their CommunitiesResources for Industry

For Seniors and Their Communities

Introduction to OPAN and Seniors Rights Service Letter
Signed by OPAN and Seniors Rights Service, this letter explains aged care advocacy and who older people can contact for advocacy support. We recommend sending it out with the Know your rights during COVID-19 fact sheet, below.
Fact sheet: Know your rights during COVID-19
Make this available to residents to let them know about the Charter of Aged Care Rights and how to access the aged care advocacy available to them
Postcard: You may have noticed some changes around here
A compact postcard you can have printed that explains facility lockdown and where residents can turn for support if they’re worried. Residents can read it in their room – you could place it on their meal trays to ensure everyone sees it.
Poster: You may have noticed some changes around here
In line with the information on the postcard, this poster explains facility changes and restrictions to residents and what they can do if they’re worried
Fact sheet: Considerations for bringing loved ones home during COVID-19
A handout covering everything a resident’s family member or representative needs to consider when thinking of taking their loved one home.
Fact sheet: Counselling, emotional support and bereavement support
Free counselling services for your residents, and even your staff, who may be having difficulty coping.
Fact sheet: We are here to help you during the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you are concerned about your home care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks and lockdowns, no matter your circumstances or where you live, we have a number of services to help.
Video: Recorded Meeting for Aged Care Residents and Families in Greater Sydney
Seniors Rights Service and the Older Persons Advocacy Network held a Q&A with aged care residents and their families about the latest COVID-19 outbreak.
PDF: Multilingual information on the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line
The information covered in the Norman Swan video is also available on downloadable PDFs in 64 languages.
Video: Dr Norman Swan Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line info
Dr Norman Swan introduces the COVID-19 Support Line 1800 237 981 to all older people and their families, with closed captions available in English and four other languages.
Video: Dr Norman Swan advocacy explainer
Dr Norman Swan explains what aged care advocacy is and the importance that seniors and their families know there are people and organistaions available to help during this time.
Video: Dr Norman Swan outbreak explainer
Dr Norman Swan explains aged care facility changes and visitation restrictions. Note: this was filmed in response to the first COVID-19 lockdown.

For Industry: Aged Care Providers

Fact sheet: We are here to help you during the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you are concerned about your client’s wellbeing or they are cancelling or reducing their home care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a number of services that we can provide.
Fact sheet: First 24 hours – Managing COVID-19 in a Residential Aged Care Facility
This fact sheet describes the steps you should take in the first 24 hours following the identification of a COVID-19 positive case.
Fact sheet: COVID-19 checklist to plan your communication
A checklist to help you get an effective communications plan in place to support residents and their families.
Fact sheet: Free COVID-19 resources and recommended processes
A rundown of the resources on this webpage, plus some processes your facility should have in place to support residents and their families during a COVID-19 outbreak.
Fact sheet: Videos to help you explain the COVID-19 outbreak to your residents
Link to Dr Norman Swan video explaining facility lockdown to residents, plus a drafted script so you can record your own version using someone your residents know and trust.
Fact sheet: Phone scripts for talking to family if residents or staff have tested positive
You can use these phone scripts to help reassure and inform residents’ family members during a COVID-19 outbreak. We’ve included the most frequently asked questions that you’ll need to be able to answer.
Fact sheet: A thank you note to reassure your residents during COVID-19
You can use this drafted text for a note to residents from your facility when you’re in lockdown. Feel free to modify as appropriate.
Fact sheet: Available services to support your client’s wellbeing or if they are cancelling or reducing their home care services during the COVID-19 pandemic
Use this 2-page document to inform yourself and your clients of the range of supports available due to COVID-19.
Fact sheet: Summary of COVID-19 information relating to home care
Your Side Australia presents the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme during COVID-19.
Video: The Mental Health Response to COVID-19
A webinar featuring ABC reporter Phillipa Mc Donald discussing the impact of COVID-19 on mental health with Dr Murray Wright. Starts at 9 minutes in.
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