COVID-19

GOC Care’s RESPONSE TO COVID-19

The health, wellbeing and safety of our clients, their carers and GOC Care’s workers is always our priority.

We continue to monitor the latest advice and directives from the Australian Department of Health and the Queensland Government

In addition to our usual high standards of risk management, infection control and hygiene procedures, we have also implemented a range of additional measures to ensure we all remain as safe as possible.

GOC Care staff:

• have access to hygiene resources and undertake additional infection control procedures
• are not permitted to attend work if they are unwell in any way
• are calling ahead to screen their in-home visits and identify whether clients may be unwell or have been at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

An important procedural change is for support workers to telephone clients prior to a scheduled service to ask the following questions:

1. Have you returned from overseas travel in the past 14 days?
2. Are you waiting for a test result for COVID-19?
3. Do you have a positive diagnosis, or do you have close contact with someone who has a positive diagnosis or who is waiting on test results?
4. Do you feel unwell or have flu-like symptoms or fever?

If any question is answered yes, then the service will not take place. This is to safeguard the health of your support worker and reduce the risk of infections within the community.

Please also note that your support worker is using the above questions for themselves on a daily basis to ensure they can attend work. We will follow up and provide you with advice to seek medical attention

• Personal Protective Equipment:We are continuing to place orders for personal protective equipment with our own suppliers and through Government systems set up for healthcare service providers. Your support worker will use personal protective equipment as required in your service – gloves, booties, aprons and hand sanitiser.
• Flu Vaccination:Every year, and this year will be no exception, we strongly advise support workers to get their flu shot.

GOC Care’s services:

• We are committed to delivering ongoing support, including essential services, to our clients and community members during this challenging time
• We have postponed social outings, fun fit classes, and events until further notice.
• All staff is activating the social distance requirements at all times and Program office based staff alternate working from home.
• Care Plan reviews are conducted via phone
• we are regularly calling in to clients for health and welfare checks
• We understand it is a challenging time and those that do not have family members are our focus, ensuring the needed support is there.

For more information in over 60 languages, click here.