Covid-19 Information for Clients
The health and wellbeing of our staff and clients is our number one priority. You can read about our service availability and the safety measures we are taking below.
It is imperative that all members of our community stay up to date with information relating to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and what this means for you. Here at CatholicCare, we understand that this growing sense of uncertainty does exist and new information is unfolding daily. However, one thing hasn't changed, and that is we are still here to support you.
Our Mission still stands; we will continue we seek to bring joy to those we serve by enabling growth, healing, and hope.
CatholicCare services remain open and operational during the current COVID-19
outbreak. Individual offices have been closed to clients, however, services have been offered via video conferencing or over the phone. Our office will start to re-open for face-to-face client service delivery by appointment only from July 6.
For your peace of mind, we have outlined below several updates to our practice in terms of how we will continue to operate through COVID-19 to ensure your experience is as safe and seamless as possible.
As we reopen our offices the safety of our clients, visitors and staff is of paramount importance. We have put measures in place to prioritise the health and wellbeing of everyone.
The core principles adopted at CatholicCare sites are:
- Creating safe environments – including observing protocols around limiting the number of visitors and staff within our spaces, installing signage to ensure social distancing
- Vigilance in adhering to the most up-to-date state and federal government instructions and guidelines – our commitment is to stay up to date with all information to ensure safety.
- Facilities to be closely maintained and monitored – including ongoing revision of hygiene protocols, increased cleaning and disinfecting, and providing additional hand sanitiser.
The conditions of entry for visitors to our properties have been updated to reflect these core principles and are outlined below. These same conditions of entry will also apply to staff.
Conditions Of Entry
People are not permitted to enter any CatholicCare property if they:
- are feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fever);
- are currently positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test;
- have been in close contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19 or who is being tested;
- have travelled from overseas or Victoria in the past 14 days;
- have, in the past 14 days, been in any government-identified 'hot spots' or any venue that has subsequently closed due to someone testing positive to COVID-19
People who are not subject to any of the above conditions for exclusion must be willing and able to agree to the following requirements to:
- leave the site immediately if they become unwell, after notifying a staff member; at all times, maintain social distancing measures (as per the NSW Health guidelines) with respect to other visitors and staff;
- maintain good personal hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly and thoroughly and/or using hand sanitiser;
- maintain good respiratory hygiene by coughing or sneezing into their elbow or a tissue, and then disposing of tissues immediately;
- provide CatholicCare with their name and contact details and consent to CatholicCare providing their name and contact details to the NSW Department of Health or any other third-party government department, as required to enable contact tracing procedures;
- acknowledge that they may be asked to wait, or be refused entry, to any CatholicCare property in the event that the site has reached its total capacity under NSW Health social distancing requirements;
- respond accurately to questions regarding your health & contacts in relation to COVID-19 if asked by staff;
- acknowledge the right of CatholicCare to refuse entry or request their departure from our sites at any time and for any reason;
- at all times, treat staff and other visitors with respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number should I call to contact CatholicCare?
As always, we are here to provide you with the support you need during times of crisis. Our general line for all enquiries and referrals is (02) 4227 1122. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@catholiccare.dow.org.au
I usually have a home visit from my support worker. Will this continue?
We want to ensure that we can continue to support you in the safest possible way throughout this outbreak. To maintain the health and wellbeing of both our clients and staff, home visits will continue to be undertaken with increased health and safety measures, unless otherwise advised by the government.
I have been told I must attend a course with CatholicCare. Will I still attend my group?
Group sessions face to face will re-commence from Monday July 6. For more information, please call us on 02 4227 1122.
I have been referred to CatholicCare. Can I still get support?
Absolutely. We welcome all new clients who are seeking support. For more information, or if you have any questions or concerns, please call us on 02 4227 1122 or
email enquiries@catholiccare.dow.org.au
Important Links
In order to navigate through these uncertain times, we need to stay up to date with the latest information. As COVID-19 is an ever-changing situation, we will update this page as more information becomes available.
We are conscious of the fact that it is difficult for us to give conclusive advice as information remains limited. What we can do collectively, however, is keep our information as updated as possible in what is a rapidly evolving situation.
Below we have included a variety of links and we encourage you to visit these regularly.
COVID-19 Facts
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx
COVID-19 Regulations in Australia
World Health Organisation
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Mental Health and Wellbeing during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
National Disability Insurance Scheme
https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus
Aged Care
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/aged-care/about-aged-care
Tips to help you cope with the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak
Many of us are currently going through some challenging times due to the effects of COVID-19 on ourselves, family and friends.
We have created a list of practical tips to help you maintain your mental wellbeing during this time. We have also created a tip sheet for parents and carers to help children cope with the current situation.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties CatholicCare is here to help.
CatholicCare offers Counselling Services (with online options available) and a range of courses to help strengthen relationships.
We also offer a range of courses including a parenting course on managing ANXIETY in children and young people.
To book a counselling session please call 4254 9395 or email intakeservice@catholiccare.dow.org.au
