A day in the life: responding to COVID-19 in aged care

Responding to COVID-19 in aged care is the responsibility of every department at Montefiore. Our staff (pictured) are committed to taking the very best care of our residents and clients during the pandemic.
Our staff are committed to providing the very best care to our residents and clients during the pandemic.

Every department and staff member contributes to Montefiore’s pandemic response, from implementing precautions to supporting residents and clients. Here’s just a snapshot of what happens each day across the organisation to combat COVID-19 in aged care.

8am

Staff complete a Montefiore Health Declaration, Service NSW Check-in and temperature check at the start of each shift. Concierge Team manages check-ins for essential visitors and contractors. Help at Home Care Coordinators complete daily checks with their carers.

8.30am

Cleaners work following additional protocols at all sites.

9am

The Montefiore COVID-19 Management Team (MCMT) meets daily to discuss the latest NSW Health updates and any internal requests or issues.

9.30am

The M by Montefiore team serves takeaway breakfast in the Club Lounge, and take M on the Menu frozen meal orders.

10am

Clinical Governance and Learning & Development teams share staff training on handwashing and PPE. The Clinical Governance team also manages vaccination programs.

11am

While volunteers are offsite, the Volunteers Department helps to run resident activities and engage one-on-one, as well as help with programs for volunteers continuing to join remotely by video call.

11.30am

The Spiritual & Cultural Team plan Rosh Hashana gifts and activities for residents to ensure they enjoy a special experience despite lockdown, as well as working with Catering & Dining departments on menus for the festive meal.

12pm

The Quality & Compliance and IT teams work to update NSW Health COVID-19 case locations, ensuring staff receive the latest information before they begin a shift.

1pm

The Communications team shares the latest NSW Health and Montefiore news by email to residents, families and staff. They also update signage and respond to any enquiries to covid19info@montefiore.org.au.

2pm

The Leisure & Lifestyle team assist residents with video calls to loved ones while visitors aren’t permitted in Residential Care.

3.30pm

Human Resources conducts a Zoom interview session for nursing staff, to ensure we are well resourced and rely less on agency care.

4.30pm

Help at Home carers provide COVID-safe support to clients in the community including nursing, medication, personal and Allied Health care.

6pm

Nursing and care staff continue to provide around-the-clock care for residents, while following infection prevention and control measures to ensure a gold standard response for COVID-19 in aged care.