COVID-19 Response

Find out how to stay at home, in your community longer.

Coronavirus Updates

Page last updated: 29th October 2020

At MiCare, our highest priority is the health and wellbeing of our clients and staff.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, it is still safe to use Home Care services, and it is essential that you continue to receive any in-home support you require to live at home safely and independently.

We are proactive in our response to COVID-19, have adapted our services and implemented numerous precautions to safeguard against infection risks.

Letter From Our Executive Director

"MiCare is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our clients, staff and volunteers. We take great pride in providing quality and safe services and are committed to minimising the spread of COVID-19.

At the outset of the pandemic, MiCare put in place a COVID-19 response plan based on Commonwealth and State Government advice and directives; we have continued to adapt this to the changing circumstances over the past months.

MiCare is actively monitoring COVID-19 developments and providing regular updates to all people who access our programs and services. I would like to thank you for your ongoing trust and support.

This website page provides information on the some of the measures that MiCare has implemented to minimise the risk of the spread of COVID-19 within the MiCare community."

Petra Neeleman, Executive Director

Supporting you during COVID-19

We are still here to support you and your ageing loved ones living at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have safe practices in place to protect your health and safety.

Showering and bathing
Using the toilet
Preparing meals
Using eating utensils
Home delivery meals
Medication reminders
Providing companionship
House cleaning
Making beds

Washing and drying clothes
Garden maintenance for your safety
Grocery shopping on your behalf
Picking up medical supplies for you
Running essential errands for you
Driving you to medical appointments
Home modifications to improve accessibility
Arranging nursing & allied health care
Organising assistive aids

About Our Programs

Infection Control Precautions

If you have any questions or concerns, call us on 1300 064 064.

Following Government Advice

We monitor both the Commonwealth and State Government’s communications and follow their advice and recommendations.

All staff are regularly updated with new information that is distributed by the Government.

Creating a COVID Safe Culture & Workplace

We support all staff to work in a COVID-safe manner by providing the appropriate training, information, and equipment.

All staff have completed COVID-19 specific training, as well as refresher training in infection control, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and handwashing procedures.
All staff are regularly updated with new information that is distributed by the Government.
All Home Care staff (and the majority of our clients) have had the influenza vaccine.
Our office staff are all now working from home to minimise contact with others in the workplace.
We are remaining in contact with other organisations involved in client care, and checking that they are undertaking suitable infection-control precautions.

Adjusting Our Services

We have made adjustments to some of our services so that we can keep supporting you safely.

Shopping

Accompanied shopping can now resume, however to abide by the government advice and to ensure your safety we ask that you travel in the back seat so distance can be maintained between you and the carer.

We are still happy to do grocery shopping on your behalf, pick up medical supplies, and run essential errands for you. Contactless delivery of your items can be arranged.

Transport

Our Carers are now able to drive you to and from health and medical appointments, such as the doctor. We can also resume transport so that you can again attend social activities or other commitments.

Our staff will wear a mask, maintain ventilation in their car and request that you sit in the back seat so we can support safe physical distancing.

Social Interaction

We are reviewing the running of our face to face groups and welcome your feedback as to when you would be happy to resume. Our online Social Support Groups will remain in place so you can keep connecting with others during periods of isolation and restrictions.

Care Management

Our friendly Care Managers have recommended home visits but are continuing to offer support over the phone so you can receive personalised care and advice from a distance.

Safeguarding Against Infection With PPE

Many of our services are safely continuing as normal, with a strong focus on health and hygiene practices.

All staff who provide in-home care support are required to wear surgical masks and practice good hand hygiene.

Staff must also wear face shields when providing close personal or clinical care.

Strict Risk Management

We have firm protocol in place to manage any foreseeable infection risks, should they occur.

All staff understand that they must not attend work and notify managers immediately if they have any flu-like symptoms or feel even slightly unwell
In the event that a staff member has contact with a person who has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, we require that they must self-isolate for 14 days.