Individuals receiving care in their own home should be encouraged and supported to follow general advice provided by NSW Health to the public on physical distancing and infection prevention and control. Visit NSW Government - Coronavirus (COVID-19) for advice and information.
Providers should also consider which services are essential to provide and those which can be temporarily suspended to limit contact and exposure.
If the client has fever or symptoms of an acute respiratory illness (sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue or cough), even if mild, request they stay in their room or support them to do so, and seek health advice (from their GP or by calling healthdirect on 1800 022 222) to exclude COVID-19 as well as to resolve any other health issues.
The Clinical Excellence Commission has infection prevention and control guidance available for different settings, including residential care facilities. Guidance for staff providing home visits is being developed.
Providers should
Providers should ensure staff are aware of any new or worsening usual symptoms for each resident with complex health conditions to ensure that early signs of illness or deterioration are escalated promptly. This understanding is critical for clients who are non-verbal and/or have communication difficulties.