CLIENT FACT SHEET:
Help on Wheels RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
What is COVID-19?
What is Help on Wheels doing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
- • hand sanitising stations at all offices/sites for staff, client and visitor use;
- • all direct care/service delivery staff with hand sanitiser, gloves, masks and other necessary personal protective equipment, to be used at all times; and
- • regular updates to you on the COVID-19 pandemic and our response to it at least weekly.
How is Help on Wheels supporting clients during this time?
We are regularly reviewing and updating all Client records. Our staff will contact you via telephone (or in person if required due to your individual support needs or preference) to confirm and update your personal details, current health information (such as your treating GP information, your general health status, medications list, etc) and support needs.
We have begun identifying alternative options for support, as part of our business continuity planning practices. We are collaborating with our local Public Health Unit’ to develop a practical support response in the event that Help on Wheels is unable to provide the services you need as a result of COVID-19.
How is Help on Wheels supporting staff during this time?
COVID-19 presents a serious risk to our society and as such we need to make a number of changes to the way our staff deliver services to limit the spread of the virus.
Staff who are unwell are not permitted to come to work. They must have a medical clearance from their GP in order to return to their usual duties. This may mean that your usual [support worker] is not available to deliver your services. If this happens, we’ll work closely with you to identify a suitable alternative.
All office-based staff have been asked to work from home. They will still be available by phone and email to answer any queries you have. Additional daily check-in procedures are in place to help maintain the mental health and wellness of all of our staff.
Direct care/service delivery staff have been provided with opportunities to access supervision and additional training about COVID-19, to support up to date best practice service delivery. When working with you, staff will need to regularly check whether you are unwell and take extra precautions to protect them and you from potential infection.
Help on Wheels is working closely with staff to support flexible working arrangements as we acknowledge the COVID-19 outbreak has placed additional restrictions and strains upon staff and their families. We understand this is an uncertain and anxious time for you and our staff, and we ask that everyone make the effort to be patient and kind with one another.
Service delivery arrangements until further notice
- • [If applicable] Help on Wheels is providing essential services only (e.g. personal care, meals and food preparation, essential therapeutic supports, clinical services including medication management, etc.) until further notice
- • If you are unwell, you must inform us as soon as possible. If you are infected with COVID-19, suspect you have it or have potentially come in contact with somebody with COVID-19, you must also inform us as soon as possible. We will work with you to determine if or how we can support you.
- • We are also asking that all clients inform our office if a direct family member/guardian/supporter who also provides support to you becomes unwell to support our staff to take additional precautions when providing supports and services to you.
- • If you are unwell you will be required to sign an Illness Disclosure Agreement immediately.
- • You can put any or all of your supports on hold at any time (even if you are currently well). If you would like to do this, please let the office know via telephone or email and we can process this request immediately. You will be able to take your supports off hold at any time.
- • Telephone: 02 9542 3340
- • Email: admin@helponwheels.com.au
- • ADDRESS: 3/818Old Princes Hwy, Sutherland NSW 2232
More Information
• Australian Government – Latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia
• NSW Government – Latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice in NSW
• Australian Department of Health – COVID-19 Daily Health Alert
• NSW Health – COVID-19 Daily Updates
• NSW Fair Trading – Changes to the residential tenancy laws
• The National Disability Insurance Agency has published information in Easy English.
• In addition to detailed written information and videos, healthdirect provides a symptom checker to help you identify symptoms of COVID-19.