HELP URGENTLY NEEDED TO KEEP VULNERABLE ELDERS SAFE FROM COVID-19

Despite our best efforts and extreme vigilance, the Coronavirus has found its way into Tafta Homes. Our first confirmed case, on 15 June, was at Langeler Towers, followed by a second case in the same building on 22 June. The following day, a woman in her eighties, living in the frail Care Cottage at Tafta Park, also tested positive.

Needless to say, we are devastated. This dear old soul has not left the cottage in months. She has been looked after by our team of trained carers, who live 'in' for two weeks at a time, on a rotational basis. All staff are screened before entering the premises. None showed any signs or symptoms of the disease.

We've immediately placed three carers, two kitchen staff and the home’s sister – together with all eight frail elders in the Care Cottage – in isolation, pending the results of their Covid-19 tests. Full scale screening is also underway throughout Tafta Park.

In addition, more staff have been brought in to deep clean and sanitise the entire property. That means a huge investment in PPE, safe hazardous waste disposal bins and bags, hundreds of pairs of gloves, N95 masks, sanitizing equipment and laundry services.

Tafta receives no state funding towards any of this. We have to manage the virus on our own, using our own resources. But we can't count the cost when it's measured against possible loss of human life.

We can only hope and trust that others who care will rally round again now ... and donate generously to help keep our elders safe.

Your gift of any amount – made online right now – will go towards the extra costs of stepping up efforts to rid our homes of Covid-19 before precious lives are lost. Please help us protect and care for the most vulnerable members of our society ... our elders. And please continue to support us through this devastating time with your thoughts and prayers.