Flexible Care Chairman Stewart Bruce with Shirley Stevens who won $8000 worth of travel in the Flexible Care Hello World raffle, run by
Flexible Care in 2017.
During the COVID-19 emergency, Flexible Care Services has introduced a range of health measures for staff, volunteers and members of the public.
This wholly local organisation, which provides essential services for the
frail-aged and other vulnerable members of our community, is very busy. During this time, they continue to provide community transport (especially for medical appointments), Meals on Wheels and personal care.
However, their social activities such as excursions to places of interest,
roving lunches, movie trips and the like are now on hold during these difficult times.
Many of the volunteers themselves are in the vulnerable age group for COVID-19, particularly those with certain medical conditions, are not being called upon at this time.
The organisations fleet vehicles which transport clients are all fitted out with approved masks, plenty of tissues, rubber gloves and sanitiser. Use of masks is strongly encouraged as, of necessity, driver and passengers may be in a confined space for long periods of travel. Vehicle surfaces are also wiped down with sanitiser as required.
Meals on Wheels services are seeing increased patronage as people are
basically staying within the home. Some staff are being deployed, in lieu of volunteers, to deliver hot meals and ensure welfare needs are being met. This is not easy when social distancing requirements are taken into account.
Everyone should be assured that safe practices are paramount. All Meals on Wheels products are provided in hygienically sealed packages from the supplier. No meals are prepared by our staff who simply organise and heat main meals ready for delivery.
Particular attention is given to wiping down all surfaces with sanitiser in the kitchen areas.
The Flexible Care office in the Trinity Centre is open 9am to 3 pm Mondays to Fridays for normal business. Social distance is strictly maintained and sanitiser is available for everyone
visiting the office. Signage is prominently displayed and the staff wipe down seating and door handles regularly throughout the day.
Our Board of ten directors continues to meet monthly so that governance is assured. However, meeting will now be via teleconference or other distancing arrangements, as allowed in our Constitution.
As expected, staff are using the phone much more these days
particularly to assess needs, health and well-being of the clients.
