Bene Aged Care is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and adhering to advice provided by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Given the speed at which the current COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, we are expecting a directive from the Federal Government to restrict access to all residential care sites. Accordingly, Bene has come to the following decision for the safety of our entire community.
The Chairman and the Bene Executive team have today made the very difficult decision to lock down access to Bene Aged Care Homes and suspend Centre Based Programs, as of midnight tonight 17 March 2020.
Impacted consumer’s families will be contacted today either by email or telephone advising them of this decision and the following exceptions:
- Family will be permitted to visit relatives who are receiving palliative care
- Family will still be able to take relatives to scheduled specialist appointments
- All external outings and internal large gatherings have been cancelled
Further information will be forthcoming over the next week as we endeavor to offer enhanced communication options. We will also be increasing hours in lifestyle activities at each site to provide further social stimulation for our residents.
We are sure you all appreciate the seriousness of this rapidly changing situation and will work with Bene to ensure we have taken all necessary steps to reduce risk of exposure.
If you have specific enquiries please contact management at the respective site.
Bene thanks you for your cooperation during this very difficult time. Further updates will be provided as this situation progresses.
For more information, please go to https://bene.org.au/covid-19-information-for-our-community/