THE Portarlington community has ensured Arcare Portarlington Aged Care residents are well supported, despite them having to remain physically apart from the community.Arcare Portarlington made the decision to lock down the centre on March 17. Stringent safety measures have been implemented to ensure the staff who come and go do not risk any contamination.<\/p>\n
So far they have successfully protected all of their 99 residents from the coronavirus.<\/p>\n
The community\u2019s support was initially shown through businesses such as Woolworths Portarlington and Portarlington Pharmacy taking special measures to guarantee the centre were not lacking anything essential.<\/p>\n
More recently, other local businesses such as Pier View Lolly Shop, The Whiskery and Jack Rabbit Vineyard have provided gifts for the Arcare Portarlington staff to show their appreciation for the dedication of the employee.<\/p>\n
Portarlington Guides have also begun writing cards and creating pieces of art for all the Arcare Portarlington residents.<\/p>\n
Arcare regional client service manager Susie Thomas said she was heartened by people\u2019s willingness to help.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the whole COVID-19 situation, the community of Portarlington has just grouped together totally in an amazing way to support each other and the residents of Arcare.\u201d<\/p>\n
Portarlington Pharmacy\u2019s Louise McLaughlin said the pharmacy understood it would be a difficult time for Arcare Portarlington and wanted to provide support where they could.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were in contact with Arcare and said if there was anything their residents needed, because obviously they couldn\u2019t get out and about, we were happy to deliver up to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there was anything specific they wanted or needed that we didn\u2019t have we\u2019d order it in and then deliver it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pharmacy usually holds a bimonthly pop-up shop at Arcare Portarlington.<\/p>\n
Ms Thomas said having normal interactions such as this was \u201creally important for residents who aren\u2019t able to go out.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the pop-up shop cannot run at the moment, Ms McLaughlin said the pharmacy was still looking to provide Arcare Portarlington residents with a degree of independence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just made up a little flyer with some things that also let them know that if something that wasn\u2019t on there, they could request it. They can then do a shopping list and ring us up to order.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just trying to normalise things as much as possible for them. It gives them a way of still being in control and being able to make their own decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Thomas said Portarlington Pharmacy\u2019s generosity typified the Portarlington community\u2019s readiness to help where possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time I\u2019ve asked for something, people are thinking about it and helping me do whatever we need. It has been fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Portarlington community has ensured Arcare Portarlington Aged Care residents are well supported, despite them having to remain physically apart from the community.Arcare Portarlington made the decision to lock down the centre on March 17. Stringent safety measures have been implemented to ensure the staff who come and go do not risk any contamination. So […]<\/p>\n