Covid-19

Our COVID-19 Response

 

In order to prioritize the well-being of everyone involved in our services, including Participants, Support Workers, Support Coordinators, Cleaners, and Gardeners, Free Living Australia has established a comprehensive COVID-19 Response Plan. This plan has been developed based on guidelines and advice from various reputable sources, such as Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Australian Government Department of Health, Worksafe Victoria, and the NDIS. Our commitment lies in ensuring the health and safety of all individuals associated with our organization.

COVID-19 Response Plan for Support Workers:

  1. If a Support Worker becomes aware or believes they have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or a close contact, it is crucial for them to immediately notify the Free Living Australia Covid Response Team.
  2. During business hours, the team can be reached at +61 1300 010 644. For emergencies that occur outside of business hours, the same contact number should be used.3. The Support Worker will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test and refrain from attending shifts until a negative test result is received. In the event of a positive result, the Support Worker must self-isolate for 14 days, take another test, and obtain medical clearance before resuming their shifts.

    4. To ensure the well-being of the Support Worker, the Free Living Australia Covid Response Team will regularly check in with them. Additionally, the team will provide contactless support, which may include information packs, assistance with grocery shopping, access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and connection to employee support services.

COVID-19 Response Plan for Participants /Family/Carers/Others linked to Participant:

1. We kindly request that if a Participant or anyone in their household suspects or becomes aware that they have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or a close contact, they promptly notify the Free Living Covid Response Team. We understand the importance of swift communication in these circumstances.

2. During business hours, the team can be reached at +61 1300 010 644. For emergencies occurring outside of business hours, the same contact number should be used, ensuring assistance is available whenever it is needed.

3. Our management team will reach out to the Participant to discuss various contactless support options that are available to them during this time. These measures may include providing information packs, ensuring essential groceries are supplied, facilitating virtual meetings through platforms like Zoom, and connecting the Participant with other contactless support services that may be beneficial.

4. Furthermore, we want to assure Participants that the management at Free Living Australia will be regularly checking in with them to inquire about their well-being. We genuinely care about the welfare of our Participants, and these regular check-ins are meant to provide support and reassurance during these challenging times.

Freeliving Australia COVID-19 Office Protocols

We kindly encourage you to consider visiting our office only if your query cannot be resolved through telephone communication. We highly value the opportunity to sit down with you and discuss how we can assist you. However, it is important to note that the health and safety of everyone involved is our top priority, and the presence of individuals in the office increases the risk of infection at this time.

To ensure a safe environment for everyone, we kindly request that all visitors and Participants check in upon arrival at the office. This check-in process allows Free Living Australia to track who is entering the premises and potential contacts. As an additional precautionary measure, we will be conducting temperature checks and providing automatic hand sanitizer for your convenience.

For the safety and well-being of our Support Workers and Participants, we have stocked up on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and sanitizers. These items are available for collection at the office, along with informative sheets to provide guidance and necessary information. Please be assured that all our management team members will be wearing face masks during this time.

To minimize the number of people in the office, we have transitioned all essential meetings to virtual platforms such as Zoom. This measure ensures that critical discussions can take place without compromising the health and safety of individuals.

Our dedicated staff members who are not essential to be physically present in the office have been asked to work from home. We have provided them with all the necessary equipment to ensure they can continue to deliver the high-quality work we expect, even while working remotely.

To keep our Support Workers well-informed, we have made comprehensive information available to them, enabling them to better understand the new laws and requirements related to COVID-19. We believe that knowledge is empowering and essential in navigating these challenging times.

Rest assured that our management team is diligently monitoring the evolving situation and taking additional training to enhance our response to COVID-19. We are committed to staying proactive and ensuring that we are well-prepared to address any challenges that may arise. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us.