Currently, Carers NSW monitors the existing COVID-19 situation, government response, and its impact on carers. Below is the comprehensive information for carers during the COVID-19 situation.
General Information
The website of the Australian Department of Health provides day to day updates, a list of frequently asked questions, news, travel advisories, and up to date facts and figures.
NSW Health and NSW Department of Communities and Justice provide relevant information for their concerned constituents that can be accessed through their website.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recently published a statement about the changes within the national health guidelines on COVID-19 and its connection to the lifting of COVID-19 measures.
· It was provided in the amended guidelines that despite the lowering of cases, people must:
· Observe physical distancing
· Practise appropriate hygiene
· Download COVIDSafe app
· Acquire influenza vaccination
· Conduct self-quarantine whenever tested positive
· Also, all people must:
· Consider their individual risks
· Educate oneself with the level of COVID-19 transmission in their areas
· Prioritise activities and involvement to determine if it is necessary or not
New items were added to the said guidelines that may influence people’s consciousness towards various degrees of activity. Here are some of the resources:
· COVID-19 pandemic tool
· COVIDSafe action plan
It was also announced in the new guidelines the temporary border closure between NSW and Victoria. NSW Police and Australian Defence Force will be enforcing the necessary measures that shall be put in place due to the border closure. Moreover, people who intend to cross the border must fall under the categories provided in the guideline such as service providers, emergency health workers, and individuals who are in need to conduct education and legal activities.
Mental Health
Beyond Blue offers a 24/7 mental health support service and can be accessed through their hotline 1800 512 348.
Recent research conducted by ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods pointed out that one in two Australians experiences stress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another finding was the negative implications of the pandemic to their finances. 3 in 10 Australians faced financial problems during the crisis. 1 in 5 Australians also felt isolation due to the lockdowns and quarantine protocols. These findings justify the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental wellbeing of Australians.
Suicide Prevention Australia, together with Wesley Mission, published a white paper that outlines the possible approach to the distressed population. This involves government-backed decisions that can foster employment and a long term plan to deliver good quality mental healthcare services to the Australians.
Specific information for carers (older people)
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said that vigilance must be combined with utmost care especially for the older members of the population. The Federal and State Governments should work hand in hand to ensure the welfare of elderly Australians.
The Industry Code for Residential Aged care homes was amended to deal with the changing dynamics of visitation to aged care homes. This is put in place to deal with the possible transmission of COVID-19 that may put the elderly residents at a higher risk.
In spite of the existing restrictions, the Older Persons Advocacy Network spearheaded a program that would survey the wellbeing of residents in aged homes. It collaborated with the Home Care and Commonwealth Home Support Programme. The program is expected to deliver, discuss, and reinstate any possible means for the improvement of aged care in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) was institutionalised to cater to the needs of older people in aged care. Volunteers are invited to conduct activities in aged care homes as long as they follow the necessary safety protocols.
Senior Australians are also supported in other means of communication such as online or telephone. Virtual platforms are good alternatives during this crisis and it was ensured by the Commonwealth Home Support Programme providers that adequate funding shall be given to support this. IT devices will be given to senior Australians for them to use. Webinars are provided for carers on how to effectively teach the use of such devices to the elderly.
Specific information for carers (people with disabilities)
The Department of Health created the COVID-19 Health Professionals National Disability Advisory Service. The said program will provide assistance to health workers who are tasked to provide care to people with disabilities. It is a specialised approach to deal with people with disabilities who might be infected with COVID-19 or experiencing anxiety due to the crisis.
Careers can communicate their issues to the Advisory Service and shall be given necessary advice in order to manage their respective concerns. They can call 1800 131 330 and expect health professionals’ assistance from 7 am to 11 pm.
Dylan Alcott, in collaboration with Get Skilled Access and the National Disability Insurance Scheme came up with new resources that can help carers of people with disabilities to reduce the risk of transmission while maintaining the needed care. The National Disability Insurance Agency also created resources on the COVIDSafe app that are specifically designed for people with disabilities.
