Bupa NZ COVID-19 Update

17 August 2021 - information sent to care home residents and whānau under Alert Level 4 

Dear Care Home residents and whānau,

The Government has announced that New Zealand will move to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 from 11.59pm tonight, 17^th August.

These Alert Levels will be in place for an initial period of three days, except for Auckland and Coromandel who will be at Alert Level 4 for an anticipated seven days.

This means that starting from tomorrow, Wednesday 18^th August, we will be closing our Care Homes and Villages to all visitors.

We appreciate that the move to Alert Level 4, and not being able to see family and friends, is not easy.

At the Manager’s discretion, we may allow exceptions for families of those residents nearing end of life or similar circumstance, on compassionate grounds.

If you are a partner, or family member in this position, please contact me regarding the guidelines for visitors in these circumstances, which include the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and contact tracing requirements. Please do contact the Care Home first to set up your visit before coming to the home. Thank you for your cooperation during this challenging time.

Our wonderful team members are committed to caring for you and your loved ones through this time. Aged Care Homes are essential services that will continue to operate while many other workplaces are closed.

Please be assured that our employees and other essential health workers attending the Care Home continue to comply with stringent health disclosure rules and respiratory etiquette to protect against the risk of infection.

We will provide our residents with alternative ways to stay connected with their whānau through use of cell phones, tablet/iPads, and laptops.

Please do remember that at Alert Level 4 we will not accept food, general parcels or laundry deliveries from families for their loved ones. This is to protect you and your loved ones from the risk of infection. However, we will accept courier parcels, as they are set up with the necessary hygiene protocols and utilise contactless delivery.

The Ministry of Health will review this Alert Level in the coming days, and we will update you accordingly.

We appreciate your understanding about this change, and we will continue to communicate with you about your loved one and the steps we are taking to keep them safe. You can also refer to bupa.co.nz for the latest updates.

17 August 2021 - information sent to village residents and whānau under Alert Level 4 

The Government has announced that New Zealand will move to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 from 11.59pm tonight, 17^th August.

These Alert Levels will be in place for an initial period of three days, except for Auckland and Coromandel who will be at Alert Level 4 for an anticipated seven days.

This means that starting from tomorrow, Wednesday 18^th August, we will be closing our Care Homes and Villages to all visitors.

Our wonderful team members are committed to caring for you through this time, as aged care services are considered essential and will continue to operate while many other workplaces are closed.

Given the move to Alert Level 4, we will be implementing a number of restrictions in order to keep you safe and reduce the risk of infection. These restrictions are as follows:

• We are closing our Villages to all visitors.

• There is to be no movement between Retirement Villages and Care Homes, and any common facilities will not be available for use.

• The Government strongly recommends that people over 70 stay at home. We ask that you please stay in your apartment, villa or unit to stay safe. Your Village Manager will support you to access groceries and essential supplies if needed.

• The meal service to Village residents will be available through non-contact methods.

• Our wellness clinics are closed until further notice.

• Our community centres will be locked where they can be and are not available until further notice.

• Please be vigilant in following the Ministry of Health guidelines, which includes not congregating in groups, not leaving the Village unless for exercise or grocery shopping, and continuing good hand hygiene.

• Van outings are suspended.

We appreciate that the move to Alert Level 4, and not being able to see family and friends, is not easy.

Thank you for your understanding regarding these temporary changes and restrictions. They are in place to keep you, and your fellow residents, safe.

The Ministry of Health will review this Alert Level in the coming days, and we will update you accordingly.

Thank you again for your understanding and support at this time.