12th May 2025
Dear Residents, Family and Friends,
Today we celebrated International Nurses Day throughout Maroba, so we took this opportunity to recognise and thank each of our care staff – our Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, and Care Service Employees – for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism they bring to Maroba every day.
This important date marks the birth of Florence Nightingale, whose pioneering work during the 19th century forever changed the world of healthcare. Her efforts in sanitation, patient care, and health reform laid the groundwork for nursing to become the respected, skilled, and essential profession it is today. Florence Nightingale’s legacy lives on in every nurse who advocates for better care, who brings comfort to those in need, and who leads with both heart and knowledge.
On your behalf … we say to all of our staff, thank you for the care you give, the support you offer, and the strength you show. You each play a vital role in the Maroba community, and your impact is deeply appreciated.
Great news on the Vaccination front…Clinics are very well attended so keep up to date with your vaccinations…yes all of them! Communicable diseases have not gone away they are very present amongst us and the good news is, advances in modern Medicine have made a way for prevention and minimisation of the associated health risks. Our Staff also continue to access our Vaccination programs delivered on site at Maroba.
Our multi-pronged approach works, so we remind everyone of the increased Respiratory Infections including Covid 19, Influenza A and B, RSV and many others circulating in the community and ask that we all remain vigilant and cautious over Flu and winter season. We ask that you do not visit if you are unwell or have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep testing before you visit and make sure you remind other family members of the requirement for RAT testing before visiting Maroba. The option to wear a mask is something to think about if you wish to protect yourself in the event that you are Immunocompromised or the person you are visiting is immunosuppressed.
Current COVID guidelines at Maroba:
For Residents
- Residents undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) when they are symptomatic and if there has been an exposure to a Covid positive person or if there is high risk within our community. PCR testing is being carried out if the RAT is negative and the resident has ongoing symptoms. If an outbreak occurs, then all residents in that area will undergo testing for respiratory illness. Please know that if your family member tests positive, we will update you as soon as possible by phone.
For Visitors
- all regular visitors need only undertake a RAT test once a week unless you have been travelling, attending large events or have been exposed to any person with Covid or other Respiratory Infection. I suggest it be on your first visit of the week being Monday to Sunday. All other visitors who are not regularly visiting we ask that you undertake a RAT prior to every visit. RATs are available at Reception and at the front door.
- Please write the date of the test on the RAT cartridge before taking a photo or placing it in a secure clear bag. Keep a photo of your RAT test on your phone as proof and present it to reception or a staff member after hours. Free RAT kits are still available at our reception, please
feel free to take some home to test before your visit. Do not leave the kits in your car as they must be kept at a cool stable temperature to be effective.
- No restrictions on the number of visitors to Non Covid effected residents.
- There are no visiting hours however for the safety of our residents the doors are locked from sunset until sunrise. During these times visitor access is by pressing the call button at the entrance, so a staff member is aware of your arrival and can let you in…please be patient! Dinner commences around 5.00pm and after dinner residents are usually settling in for the night. Arrangements can be made with staff if you are taking your loved one out during these hours to have easy access on your return.
For Staff, Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff & Students
- Our staff, volunteers, students and Agency Staff will continue to RAT test as per staff notices before coming onsite at Maroba.
- Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff, and Students will continue to check in using our new ‘Loop Safe’ Electronic Check in system.
If you have concerns with our approach, please call us to discuss. Alternatively, you can contact:
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600
- The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822
- Senior Rights Service 1800 424 079
For additional information, please contact reception at 4935 0300 during office hours or email us at enquiries@maroba.om.au.
On a not so happy note, I must remind all residents and staff to keep your valuables and favourite items secure as we have had reports of items disappearing from residents’ rooms. We are not able to guarantee the security of items in a communal living environment although we do all we can to make the environment both home like and secure. It is vital that you report any missing items as soon as you become aware something is missing. It helps if there is a photo of the missing item when we come to investigate. If there is a particular item, you would like staff to photograph and add to your valuable list please ask your Reg Nurse to assist. I recommend that residents only enter another residents room if invited as we want to respect the individuals personal spaces and their privacy.
2025.05.12 #196 May Covid Update