Local care provider Whiddon has announced the official lifting of mask wearing in all of its homes, including Easton Park at Glenfield.
The lifting of mask wearing in Whiddon’s aged care homes came into effect on Wednesday (September 6) and is in line with all current NSW Health guidelines for mask use in aged care settings.
The announcement signals an important return to face-to-face interaction, including visible smiles, laughs and flowing conversations.
For providers such as Whiddon, the decision to remove the wearing of masks has had to be balanced through careful considerations of the current risks of disease transmission and the ongoing impact to residents who have been largely unable to see the warm smiles of their carers for the past three years.
“We are thrilled that our wonderful Whiddon Easton Park residents and team are once again able to share mask-free conversations and visible smiles and laughter,’’ says Alyson Jarrett, deputy chief executive officer.
“With the lifting of mask wearing, Whiddon maintains our robust infection control strategies to keep all our people safe.
“For our residents with hearing impairments or those experiencing feelings of loneliness, masks presented an additional challenge to navigate,’’ Ms Jarrett said.
“Returning to a mask-free setting will prove hugely beneficial our residents as they build on their meaningful relationships with our team members, and vice versa.
“It is these strong bonds that lie at heart of our relationship-based care model and approach to care.”
