Warrigal announces plans for ‘Special Care Units’ for residents who test positive for COVID-19

The Illawarra-based community provider is planning to set up the units – which would be located at one of its home but operate separately – to provide care and isolate any confirmed cases as part of its COVID-19 action plan. The Units would be available to anyone living in Warrigal’s 12 aged care homes, home care services and retirement villages who are unable to go to hospital but will need special clinical care and have support from both the Illawarra Public Health Unit and the Department of Health. While the operator says they are still in the process of confirming the location for the first unit, it will be in the Illawarra and accommodate up to 20 people. To date, Warrigal has had no positive cases among its aged care residents or staff – one home care client was diagnosed with the virus early last month, but had had no contact with staff for two weeks. However, CEO Mark Sewell says they wanted to be prepared in advance to manage a potential or outbreak.

“Warrigal is very concerned about the risks to older people in aged care homes,” he said. “There is arguably no more vulnerable group than them. Even the Aged Care Minister has noted that aged care homes are potentially the next cruise ship scenario.” “If hospital care is not an option for someone infected by the virus then a special care unit operated by the aged care provider may provide safer care for the resident and staff.” “We are also seeking to reduce the impact on the other people that they normally live with in their section or neighbourhood in their aged care home.”

The Units would offer higher staffing including care staff, nurses and lifestyle staff and each person’s GP involved in their care – over 50 of its 1,000-plus staff have so far volunteered to work in the units. Extra training, support and access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) would also be offered to staff, with accommodation and meals provided for staff who did not want to risk family members by returning home. Separate access to the building and a separate outdoor space would also be provided, with Warrigal considering the options of hospital-grade air conditioning and on-site accommodation for staff. Families would be able to stay connected with residents through virtual visits, IT social connection and physical safe visiting areas, with end-of-life visits to be prioritised. Will this be an option taken up by other operators? With 56% of operators running at a loss, not all will have the option.