Industry rallies in response to Vic bushfires

Providers near the fires have sprung into action, with staff going “above and beyond”, while those away from the frontline continue to offer support.

Aged care organisations in Victoria have rallied in response to the state’s devastating bushfires which have been described as the worst natural disaster in the nation’s history.

Providers on the frontline have sprung into action to implement emergency plans, while industry colleagues throughout the state and across the country have made offers of support.

Evacuations made
A number of nursing home residents and community care clients in affected regions have been evacuated, although some have now returned.

At this stage, it is understood that no aged care facilities have been directly damaged by the fires but it is believed that some community care clients have lost their homes. Other areas remain on standby.

The general Manager of Baptcare’s Community Aged Care Service, Tim Noonan estimates that since last Wednesday, his organisation has assisted with the evacuation of 30-40 clients on CACPs, EACH and EACH Dementia packages from the Gippsland, Kinglake and Beechworth regions.

“It may be higher than that,” he said. “But it’s hard to tell. We are just responding to individual needs at the moment.”

Baptcare managers and staff assisted with transportation and helped find makeshift accommodation in facilities, motels or with family and friends.

Aged care facilities away from the frontline have been quick to register vacancies and take in people needing short-term respite. Some facilities are even operating above capacity.

“People have taken the approach: just do it,” said the CEO of Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV), Gerard Mansour.

“We have had a number of our members who have just taken in people who have been affected. They may be evacuated residents, community care clients or older people who didn’t even have an ACAT assessment but were older and frail.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the general community and our members who have expressed an interest and offered to lend a hand. Those affected on the front line certainly appreciate those offers of assistance.”

Staff go “above and beyond”
Mr Noonan was full of praise for his organisation’s employees who have worked for days on end.

“Since last Wednesday the staff in the Gippsland region have been close to working around the clock and the staff in the Hume region have been working since Saturday without much rest,” he said

“Obviously they have had breaks but even when they are at home, they are still fielding calls.

“It’s above and beyond what they are employed to but in a time of need like this it is what is required and they have risen to the challenge.

“The staff all live locally so they have all been affected as well.”

Baptcare has increased the number of pastoral care workers in affected regions to provide direct assistance and counselling to clients and staff.

Mr Mansour said the full impact of the fire on aged care providers and their staff members is yet to be realised.

“A lot of our facilities are operating on the fringes of the areas affected by the fire and they may well have staff members who may have been directly affected,” he said.

“By end of week, we will have reached the next phase, and I there will be significant impact on the whole community among the fatalities, including the industry and our staff.”

Good coordination
In response to the high demand for respite care, the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot has confirmed short-term support arrangements for facilities which have taken in extra residents some time today (Click here for the full details).

Mr Mansour said Mrs Elliot and the Department of Health and Ageing had listened to the needs of those involved and was developing flexible forms of assistance.

“It’s very pleasing that the department has heard the need for a streamlined administration package,” he said.

“There needs to be flexibility to cater for individual needs, especially as those needs may change throughout the coming weeks.”

Mr Mansour also praised the coordination among the various bodies responding to the crisis.

He said the regional offices of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health and Ageing, along with frontline emergency organisations such as the CFA [Country Fire Authority], had provided great assistance to providers.

Tough times ahead
But with high temperatures persisting and the death toll still climbing, Mr Mansour said the biggest challenge for providers is the continuing uncertainty about what will unfold next.

“We are still in crisis management mode with fires burning and a number of members on standby,” he said.

“We are also preparing now for the impact of the bad news that is going to come. It’s a terrible waiting situation.

“We are just getting ready and being available to offer any assistance possible.”

Pledging support
The ACCV board has decided to donate $5,000 to the Red Cross Victorian bushfires appeal on behalf of the state’s aged care industry.

The donation is being made in recognition of the severe impact of the fires on Victoria’s rural communities, many of which have senior citizens.

Baptcare has also launched a Bushfire Relief Appeal in partnership with the Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV).

All monetary contributions to this appeal will be distributed through Baptist Churches, and those seeking financial support are urged to contact their local Baptist congregation.

To make a donation to this appeal, contact Baptcare on 03 9831 7222 or visit www.baptcare.org.au. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Tags: support,

Leave a Reply