Bupa launches new app to help aged care connections

The free app will provide up-to-date COVID-19 related information for residents, their loved ones, and Bupa employees, which is particularly important during this difficult time while care home visits aren’t possible.

Suzanne Dvorak, Managing Director Bupa Villages and Aged Care Australia said that with the COVID-19 situation changing every day, the app aims to help residents and their loved ones easily access the most current advice from health authorities and Bupa.

“With so much information out there about COVID-19, it can be hard to digest. The Bupa Aged Care Connect app allows us to put all the relevant information in one place, including recent government advice and the latest updates from our care homes.

Ms Dvorak said Bupa was committed to making sure communication with relatives was simple and effective during this time.

“We know there is a need to help family and friends feel more connected to the day-to-day lives of our residents in our homes. While we know we can’t replace face-to-face interactions, we hope that with new ways of communicating we can help keep our residents’ connections with their loved ones as strong as possible,” Ms Dvorak added.

To help residents stay in touch with their loved ones, Bupa is also in the process of launching private Facebook groups for each care home and helping to facilitate regular video and phone calls between residents and their families.

Information available to both employees and relatives in the app includes:

• COVID-19 Bupa Aged Care information
• COVID-19 Government health advice
• Updates on what is happening in our homes and how to contact them
• Messages from our Bupa leaders
• A link to the COVID-19 Bupa Help Line
• Managing wellbeing during COVID-19
• COVID-19 dementia care
• Messages of support from the community

Families interested in downloading the app should contact their care home directly for login details and user guides. Contact details can be found at www.bupaagedcare.com.au