The not-for-profit group's Social Support Groups (SSG) have been up and running again at its Morton and Greenmeadows day centres, which had closed in March under government directives for the aged care sector.

Running activity programs that focus on skills retention, creativity, exercise and personal interaction, Omnicare's SSG coordinators have implemented various changes to ensure staff and clients observe strict pandemic measures.

Physical distancing and hygiene procedures are in place to mitigate the risk of potential infection. Participant numbers are limited to comply with indoor gathering restrictions.

Head of SSG, Sarah McGarrity, said everyone involved had been delighted to return to the centres.

"Social connection is essential to a sense of wellbeing," she said. "Many of our clients have had little contact with others within their community since the centres closed in March.

"We've planned the reopenings in great detail, so that everything can be as close to the way it was before. But we've had to also make significant changes to the way we do things.

"Many of our clients live with dementia, so these changes can be challenging for them and for the staff running the activities. We're taking much of it day by day and seeing what works best - but the absolute priority is client safety."

Omnicare support workers participated in an instructional video shown to clients at the start of sessions at the day centres. In it, they demonstrate infection control measures with a musical cue.

"The music plays at regular points in each session," Ms McGarrity said.

"Once we hear it, everyone in the centre - clients, volunteers and staff - use hand sanitiser.

"And when clients need to wash their hands, we've suggested they sing 'Happy Birthday' to themselves as another way to recall the need to do so thoroughly."

Omnicare support workers are overseeing the 1.5m rule around distancing. Where it is necessary to come into closer contact, they are wearing face masks.

As well as its Port Macquarie SSG day centres, Omnicare runs centres at Wauchope (Bain Park) and Kempsey (Parklands Cottage).

Programs at its fifth venue, Camden Haven Community Health Centre, are suspended because the centre is being used for COVID testing.

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