Your COVID-19 vaccination questions answered with Dr Michae...
1st April 2021
Benetas Board Director, Dr Michael Murray AM, is Director of Geriatric Medicine and his wife, Dr Mary O’Reilly, is Deputy Chief...
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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Latest news and updates from Benetas
Restrictions ease and COVID-19 vaccinations roll out
1 April 2021
Benetas continues to monitor the Victorian Government's COVID-19 restrictions and adapt our visitor access protocols and infection prevention and control measures accordingly.
Please be advised that despite many of these measures being relaxed, face masks continue to be required in all aged care settings, stringent check-in protocols remain in place across all Benetas homes and sites, and latest density requirements continue to be observed at all times.
We also welcome the Department of Health's COVID-19 Vaccination Program and encourage informed involvement by all those in our community. Please find more details below.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Latest information
Benetas greatly welcomes the Australian Government’s rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program for all aged care residents, employees and volunteers as a matter of priority. You can read more about the roll out of the vaccine across our homes and services.
Coronavirus actions across Benetas
Benetas is taking every measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its residents, clients and employees and is committed to keeping the Benetas community informed throughout this difficult time.
Residential Aged Care
Visitor Access Program
Benetas is committed to managing visitor access at our residential aged care homes to ensure the utmost health and wellbeing of the older Australians in our care. We are closely monitoring public health directives and transmission in the community to manage visitor provisions. Please find latest updates on these measures and how to make a booking.
Home Care
Your health, wellbeing and independence at home is more important than ever. We continue to provide essential care and support for the older people living at home, albeit with more rigorous health, safety and hygiene protocols and practices in place. Find out what's happening with home care services and how we are adapting here.
Please be advised, gardening services for Home Care Package clients can continue during Metro Melbourne's Stage 4 restrictions as confirmed by the Victorian Government.
Respite
To comply with ongoing restrictions and ensure the safety of our clients, their families and our employees, a number of Benetas respite service centres have been closed until further notice. This includes Hurlingham, Kilby House and Bateman House. Benetas continues to offer important respite care at our residential locations across Victoria. In-home respite also remains available through our ongoing Home Care Services.
Retirement Living
Ongoing infection and prevention control measures continue to be in place across the management of our retirement living home, Dalkeith Heights. Please be advised, that during Stage 4 restrictions, the Community Centre has been closed until further notice.
Health Care
Macedon Ranges Health services continue to operate from our centre. A strong screening process has been implemented to protect the health and wellbeing of our community. We have also set up a range of solutions to support those who cannot or prefer not to visit the centre, including video or telehealth appointments. If you have an appointment and are feeling unwell, please call ahead to discuss your situation.
Dr Norman Swan’s advice for older Australians navigating COVID-19
In the short web video, Dr Norman Swan provides great advice and tips to help older Australians and their loved ones navigate COVID-19.
This is part of LASA and OPAN’s campaign to overcome misconceptions in the community, and support families and older people in their care who may have concerns around COVID-19 and the current measures in place.
Need to talk to someone?
New COVID-19 Support for Older Australians
A number of advocates for older Australians have launched a dedicated free call service to support the mental health of older Australians affected by the spread of COVID-19. The phone line will be staffed by advisers who can offer practical help and advice and is a partnership between OPAN, COTA and National Seniors Australia.
Call 1800 171 866
The support line will operate Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm (except public holidays).
The global impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) have us all feeling uncertain, so there is no better time to share uplifting moments of support for our older loved ones and each other.
#SpreadKindness
Read positive stories
A message from the CEO on COVID Vaccinations
24th February 2021
At Benetas, we greatly welcome the long awaited Pfizer vaccine rollout to aged care homes in Australia this week, and the Austr...
Recognising the dedication of our staff
24th December 2020
Brian West pens a short letter on behalf of all residents and families at Benetas Gisborne Oaks.
Visiting your loved one at a Benetas home this Christmas
21st December 2020
We are pleased to support our aged care residents and their families to connect with their loved ones over Christmas after the ...
Open Letter from CEO Sandra Hills OAM
7th September 2020
We have been incredibly saddened by the occurrences at St George's aged care home in Altona Meadows. This is my letter to our B...
Aged Care worker shares experience of working amidst Covid-1...
21st August 2020
Experienced Benetas Personal Care Worker, Mary Mercieca, was recently redeployed with a number of her colleagues to the provide...
Confirmed COVID-19 case for employee at St George's
9th July 2020
Unfortunately, despite the rigorous measures we have been putting in place to protect our community, an employee at our St Geor...
Restricted visitor access for Benetas aged care homes in Met...
8th July 2020
Benetas is temporarily restricting visitor access to all our aged care homes in Metropolitan Melbourne.
Restricted visitor access to Gladswood Lodge and Colton Clos...
30th June 2020
Benetas is temporarily reinstating restricted visitor access to Colton Close and Gladswood Lodge residential aged care homes in...
It’s time to call out the impact of COVID-19 on women
26th June 2020
Health crises tend to magnify existing inequalities and within only a few months, COVID-19 has triggered unprecedented change t...
6 acts of kindness in Victoria during COVID-19
17th June 2020
Here are just a few of our favourite acts of care and generosity in Victoria, Australia during COVID-19.
One month into Benetas’ visitor support program
12th June 2020
Benetas Gisborne Oaks Residential Manager, Sheena Mannion, shares her reflections one month into bringing residents and their l...