COVID-19: Update from Rise

Updated: 20.03.2020 - Preventive Measures

In response to COVID-19 Rise’s Senior Management Team are taking a number of steps to provide the safest possible environment for the people we support. We have implemented preventive measures around hygiene and personal protective equipment, as advised by the Department of Health and Rise’s Emergency Response Plan. This includes the following:

Staff/volunteers who have recently travelled from high risk countries, overseas or show flu like symptoms, have been asked to stay at home until they have been medically cleared and/or self-isolate. This applies to agency staff as well.
Implemented policies for hand-washing and other health hygiene as well as existing infection prevention practices in line with Department of Health guidelines. Staff will wear personal protective equipment recommended by the Department of Health; not all equipment is recommended in all situations.
Created a resources hub for staff, with guidelines for maintaining a safe environment.
All staff have been advised to minimise physical contact and encourage social distancing where possible.
We have reduced some group activities unless we can maintain safe hygiene practices and social distancing, and some non-essential services. We are asking that there be no more than two visitors at any one time to Rise homes, respite and refuge services and that visitors wash/sanitize hands on arrival/departure. These are being reviewed daily.
We are communicating with contractors and visitors and arranged signage around our hygiene policies to ensure no visitors with symptoms enter any Rise premises
We have advised the people we support, their family or guardian to let us know if they are unwell, have flu-like symptoms or have travelled to high risk countries.

Services have been scaled back – important information

Rise has decided to scale back some services to keep everyone safe. These decisions have been based on information from the Government and Rise’s Emergency Response Plan.

Stratton Youth Centre will stay open until any School closures.
From 17th March all bus excursion trips (apart from shopping and buses to the Social Centres) will be cancelled. This has been decided due to the latest health advice about social distancing (less contact between people).
The operating of all Rise social centres will be reviewed early in the week commencing 23/3/20. In the meantime, scrupulous hygiene practices and social distancing of 1.5 metres is being practiced. If this cannot practically be continued, the operation will be reviewed.
People with Disability no longer running group excursions.

We appreciate missing services and closures can make some people feel worried, anxious and uncomfortable. Rise Staff really want to work with you to ensure you feel fully supported during this difficult period. Please speak to your Coordinator or Support Worker if you have any concerns.

Services running as normal this week

Many of the below are still running because they are a one to one service. However, the group activities will mostly be cancelled from 23rd March.

Transporting clients to and from Social Centre’s is okay (but no planned excursions).
One to one type activities are also running as normal – such as gardening, cleaning etc.
Group buses to shopping will continue for now.
Getaway Club, Leisure Focus and Bounce are all running this week. These services will also end 23rd March.
Tenancy Support is still running as normal.
Nobel House – continues as normal.
Kira House – continues as normal.
Milperra – continues as normal.
People with Disability Services – one to one service are still available.
Supported Accommodation – Rise are reaching out and asking family members and carers whether they would like to support their family members during this period.

Activities in the community and COVID-19

If an activity which you normally attend in the community is stopped (e.g. swimming pool is closed, or your place of work for volunteering is closed), our staff will work with you to see whether there is another suitable activity for you to attend. This is important to us, so you are not put at a greater risk. If this is not possible the service will be cancelled.
We are reviewing advice from government about scaling back group activities, however there is currently only a ban on activities over 500 people.
Also be rest assured our agency staff adhere to the same safety standards around travel and symptoms as Rise staff.

Your services with Rise

If a service must be cancelled to protect your health and wellbeing you will NOT be billed for a service, you didn’t receive.

What can you do to stay healthy?

The most useful thing we can all do to help prevent the spread of this virus is to follow basic health precautions. This includes washing your hands often and using a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Be rest assured, if staff/volunteers have recently travelled from high risk countries or show flu like symptoms, they are asked to stay at home until they have been medically cleared.

If you are unwell or have flu-like symptoms, or have travelled to high risk countries, currently mainland China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea, you should tell your Support Worker or Coordinator as soon as possible and seek advice from a medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact your Support Worker or Coordinator.

Information about COVID-19 for NDIS Participants

If you are an NDIS participant and you are concerned about your exposure to coronavirus, the Department of Health has a specific hotline to respond to your enquiries. 1800 020 080 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the National Relay Service to access any of the department’s listed phone numbers.

You can visit the National Relay Service website or call 1300 555 727. If you need translation and/or interpretation support, Translating and Interpreting Services are offered by the Australian Government on the Department of Home Affairs website
You can read more about COVID-19 at the NDIS Website.