The increased risk of COVID-19 and the greater probability of serious complications among elderly residents has resulted in unprecedented pressure for aged care providers.
The restrictions on visitation rights put in place by the Australian Government to protect residents and workers in aged care facilities together with the new funding measures announced last week are expected to strengthen the industry and reinforce the aged care workforce. However, there is a growing realisation among aged care providers that they will likely need to implement measures well beyond those mandated by the Government in order to effectively mitigate and manage the consequences of COVID-19.
As we begin to realise the full extent of the impact of COVID-19 on aged care operations, many of you are likely to be grappling with complicated issues that affect many areas of your operations.
The Government has mandated many measures to manage the impact of COVID-19 in aged care facilities but is it enough? What more can you do to further mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on your residents and staff?
If you need assistance with these or any other questions, please contact Lavan partner Ian Curlewis.
The impact of COVID-19 may prevent or delay your ability to provide the care and services required by your residents. It may also increase the costs associated with providing these services. In this challenging situation, it is important to consider:
From a governance perspective:
From a corporate perspective:
Lavan senior associate Michele Ryan can assist you to formulate a plan to meet your obligations.
As the full impact of COVID-19 is yet to be realised, it is important to review your current insurance policies and your practises to prepare for future contingencies. This includes:
If you would like to discuss these or other insurance related concerns, please contact Lavan partner Iain Freeman.
In the ever-evolving economic environment under COVID-19, it will be imperative for your organisation to consider its broader financial position and planning. This includes:
If you would like assistance in understanding the options available to your organisation, the obligations of your directors and the meaning of the recently announced changes, please call Lavan partner Lawrence Lee.
Your residents are likely to be anxious in the present circumstances. We are seeing an increase in enquiries from clients about updating their testamentary arrangements.
For any enquiries relating to testamentary arrangements, please call Lavan partner James Steedman.
COVID-19 is having an escalating impact on construction and infrastructure projects in WA. This can vary from delay and disruption to exposure to increased costs, availability of labour or an inability to perform your contractual obligations. If your organisation, like many other aged care providers, is currently managing a construction project, you should consider:
Please contact Lavan partner Tamica D’Uva if you would like to discuss your contractual entitlements.
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We understand this is a difficult and challenging time for all aged care providers. COVID-19 presents unprecedented challenges within a regulatory environment that is already challenged by the Royal Commission.
Lavan’s multi-disciplinary team is available to provide assistance with planning and implementing your response to COVID-19. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to call any of our Lavan lawyers.