COVID-19 is causing a worldwide shortage of facemasks and other protective clothing.

In Australia, the shortage is equally serious. To try to meet increasing demand, the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources is calling on domestic businesses capable of producing medical personal protective equipment (PPE) to come forward. At Right at Home, we feel that no community is too small to join the effort of making face masks.

Following an initiative by one US-based health care system, Right at Home is calling on its communities across Qld, NSW, and WA to help produce fabric masks. While sewn or cloth masks are not considered medical grade, in the current coronavirus climate where facemask supply is limited, they are an alternate crisis response option. RAH understands that these facemasks are not to be used in the care of COVID-19 patients, however, they can be helpful in other areas of patient care where supplies of PPE are depleted. Something is better than nothing for non-COVID-19 treatment!

Why not make your own facemasks for your family, and your loved ones, and help your neighbours too?

Here is a simple "how-to" make a face mask.

You will need:

• Cotton fabric of your choice,
• Elastic lace, ribbon or cord
• Sewing scissors
• Cotton thread

Instructions:

• Cut elastic (approx. 20cm long) and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat).
• Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally.
• Put the right sides of the fabric together.
• Starting at the centre of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop. Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this.
• Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.
• Now sew across that top of the mask to the next corner. Again, put an elastic with the edge out.
• Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
• Sew across the bottom leaving about 4 to 5cm open. Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out.
• Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are in the same direction.
• Sew around the edge of the mask twice.

For further information on the use of surgical masks, please read the Australian Department of Health’s Fact Sheet.

Caring for Loved Ones at Home

We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing some stress in our communities. For support and advice on Coronavirus care or home care as a result of changed circumstances due to Coronavirus, please don't hesitate to contact Right at Home Australia on 1300-363-802. You can also contact the Department of Health's National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800-020-080.

If you think you or your loved ones have symptoms of the flu or Coronavirus you must seek medical advice and attention as soon as possible. Should you need assistance with shopping, companion care, personal care or nursing, please contact your Right at Home local office or call us on 1300 363 802 for care in your home.

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

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Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and adults living with a disability who wants to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government-approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia, and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services, and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website