Care workers step up support for Bayside community

Care workers from Bayside City Council are providing a lifeline for vulnerable residents following government advice to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bayside City Council is prioritising services, including shopping, cleaning assistance, and delivered meals, as well as phone calls to check the wellbeing of Bayside’s most vulnerable residents. These essential services are vital to support residents’ mental and physical health and keep them at home in a safe environment. Care workers continue to follow strict hygiene and social distancing guidelines in accordance with Commonwealth and State Government requirements.

Community care workers are sourcing essential products during the major supermarkets’ dedicated early morning community hours for residents unable to get to the shops. Council delivered toilet paper exclusively to residents who receive delivered meals thanks to a generous donation from Woolworths.

During March, 1,318 meals were delivered and 86 care workers provided more than 5,500 rostered services to 1,746 residents. This demonstrates how important Council’s frontline care services are and will increasingly become as vulnerable residents strictly follow social isolation guidance.

Care is also being offered through simple conversation, with care workers regularly calling clients for a chat as part of Bayside City Council’s new social connection program. This program has been designed to keep people connected while respecting social distancing requirements.

Although the Council’s Customer Service counter remains closed, communication has significantly increased through regular news updates on the Council website and social media channels, which are keeping Bayside residents informed and reassured in these uncertain times. 

Bayside residents can subscribe to receive e-news updates or follow Council's social media channels. 

Anyone in need of support is encouraged to call (03) 9599 4632 or visit bayside.vic.gov.au/what-assistance-do-we-provide