COVID-19

Alzheimer’s WA is taking a proactive and cautious approach to COVID-19 (coronavirus) as our clients and carers may be in the high-risk category for the virus. Our priority is to protect our staff, our clients and their families and our visitors. We also know that what we do now can help stop the spread of the virus.

This is ever evolving and we are constantly monitoring the situation and taking advice from the Department of Health.

What have we done

Alzheimer’s WA has enacted a series of protocols to minimise the risk to our staff and clients. This includes restrictions for staff, or someone close to them, who have travelled in the last 14 days, has been potentially exposed to COVID-19 or is unwell. We are also taking extra precaution with clients and their families who have travelled, potentially been exposed or unwell including rescheduling if required. We are reducing visitors into our premises.

We are still here for Western Australians living with dementia

In this time of uncertainty, our focus is on continuing to support our clients and carers. Our services continue to ensure carers have a break and our clients have the opportunity to receive therapy, clinical support and socialisation.

As a community, we are being asked to physically distance ourselves but it is critical now, more than ever, we keep socially and emotionally connected and engaged.

Please call us on 1300 66 77 88 to discuss how we can support you and your family.

Look after yourselves

You can reduce your risk by practising good hygiene and physical distancing

Good hygiene

• covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• disposing of tissues properly
• washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
• using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people

Physical distancing

• staying at home when you are unwell
• avoiding large public gatherings if they’re not essential
• keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible
• minimising physical contact, especially with people at higher risk such as older people and people with existing health conditions

Statement from our CEO

Your safety is our immediate priority and we can assure you that our team is working incredibly hard to ensure that we can safely provide care and support services in our community during COVID-19 to deliver on our purpose.  This page will provide updates on the measures we have in place at AWA to protect our values clients, staff and our community.

AWA supports the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program.  It aligns with our person-centred approach to health care and our staff are encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine based on the best medical advice recommended advice by the Federal and State Govt for aged care workers.

Key points

• Our staff are being strongly encouraged to have a COVID-19 vaccination,
• All West Australians aged 30 and over are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine,
• This is a phased approach and as an interim measure, all COVID-19 protocols and precautions remain in place such as:
• All staff undertake appropriate hand hygiene and PPE training and precautions as a matter of good clinical practice 
• All staff are encouraged to to stay home if they display any cold and flu type symptoms and are asked to get tested for COVID-19 and to self isolate 
• We will continue to monitor and follow all COVID-19 health advice and guidelines as mandated by thd government.
• The safety and wellbeing of our clients and staff is our immediate priority and is at the forefront of our minds at all times.

COVID-19 is a continually evolving situation – our COVID-19 response team meet regularly to ensure your safety and includes the following:

• Warren Harding, Chairman
• Ella Dachs, Cheif Executive Officer
• Chris Oldfield, Head of Care and Support Services
• Nigel Holmes, Head of Finance and Operational Performance
• Andrew Crow, Head of Education and Consulting
• David Garrett, ICT and Assets Manager
• Michelle Withers, Head of People and Culture
• Olivia Peters, Executive Assistant to CEO & Board

COVID-19 Resources

• National Coronavirus Helpline or call 1800 020 080
• How to wash hands (video)
• How to hand rub with sanitizer (video)
• Department of Health: Fact Sheet for Older Australians
• Department of Health: Identifying the Symptoms
• Department of Health resources