Blue Haven Illawarra has extended the stay of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) team, who will continue to help out at our Residential Aged Care Facility until this Thursday 10 March.
The four-person ADF team have been based at Blue Haven’s Bonaira aged care home since last week. They are part of ADF’s Operation COVID-19 Assist backed by the Aged Care Commissioner.
The ADF team helped out with logistics, lifestyle activities, some storm damage clean-up and laundry duties.
“The ADF have presented well and provided a positive, can-do approach, showing empathy and warmth to the residents, visitors and staff, said Acting Chief Operating Officer of Blue Haven Susan Adamczuk.
In logistics, the ADF assisted with stock control in the catering department, clinical and PPE storage relocation, relocation of some clinical equipment, filing logistics and transporting Hot Boxes to households.
Social activities the ADF team participated in include bingo with the residents, lots of one-to-one conversations with residents, helping out with the resident walking program and attending a Men’s Support Group to share stories of war times past and present.
The ADF were on hand to help clean up some areas of the building affected by rain damage in the recent storms. They also helped to fold washing for residents.
Blue Haven and Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud thanked the ADF on behalf of all staff and residents.
“Having this extra support has made a real difference to Blue Haven at a time when all aged care providers are facing staff shortages and supply issues.”
“It has given staff and residents a boost to have some fresh faces around to lend a hand and to spend time engaging with our residents after what has been a difficult year with extended lockdowns due to the pandemic.”
Photo: The four-person ADF team with Blue Haven Board members Councillor Kathy Rice and Mayor Neil Reilly.
