Covid-19 information for families

Updated Friday 5 November
We trust many in the Very Special Kids community are enjoying the relaxation of restrictions.

Covid-19 continues to impact the way we care for children and families at Very Special Kids. While our services remain essential, it is imperative that Very Special Kids plays our role in reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19.

At Very Special Kids we are committed to the health and wellbeing of our community. To ensure we continue to support as many children and families as possible, we have adapted some of our services. These include:

• Family support services will continue via telehealth and zoom with emergency cases assessed individually
• Face-to-face family programs and events are returning, facilitated in line with DHHS guidelines
•  Physiotherapy, Music Therapy and Occupational Therapy will continue, as well as other interactive platforms to allow children to take part in sensory and visual therapies.
• Bookings at Glen Osmond Farm are open
• In-home Respite Care has commenced while respite services at Monash Children’s Hospital are temporarily paused.

We will endeavour to support in home end-of-life or emergency situations, please contact your Family Support Practitioner to discuss.

To align our services with advice from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the following COVID-safe measures are permanently in place:

• All children requiring end-of-life care will be admitted as well as emergency admissions.
• Staffing will be in accordance with mandatory ratios.
• We have increased our infection prevention protocols, meaning all visiting staff to in-home respite will wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including protective N95 face masks and face shields.
• All staff, volunteers and visitors will have daily temperature checks and declaration as well as signing in on arrival.
• Very Special Kids will continue to follow the guidelines and advice from DHHS and collaborate with other community agencies to support continuity of care and the protection of our community.
• For more information, visit: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-update.

There are some important actions that all of us can take to reduce exposures and stay healthy. The most important action is to practice good hand hygiene. Take the following steps to reduce your exposure and chances of contracting COVID-19:

• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Dry with disposable paper towel or hand dryer.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication, ensure you have adequate supplies.
• Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
• Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep.
• Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
• Get the flu shot (available from April).
• If you are concerned, call the 24-hour Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only
• Download, print and share these tips from the Department of Health and Human Services