Dear Push Mobility clients,

It’s been a big month since we last wrote to you - and a lot has changed.

We know this is a time of uncertainty, and there has been a LOT of  information circulating and still not a lot of clarity!

We wanted to reassure you and to update you about how Push Mobility is working during this time - and how we can continue to support you.

If you’re in Metropolitan Melbourne, we’re now in Stage 4 restrictions (with the remainder of Victoria currently in Stage 3 restrictions).

Health during these time is vitally important - and mobility equipment that works well is a key part of maintaining your overall health - we don’t want anyone ending up with an injury or  pressure sores as a result of faulty or damaged equipment.

We know maintaining good mental wellness has been a challenge for a lot of people lately, and we’re going to be sharing some resources in the coming weeks - about how to keep active, positive and healthy during lockdown. 

Staying connected will help us all to get through this together - reach out to family or friends via phone Zoom, Facetime, HouseParty or text / email those you care about regularly. 

Next Thursday, we’ll be launching a free, public Zoom chat - where we will have a guest speaker each week. Our first guest speaker will be Australian Handcycling Champion (and Push Mobility’s QLD Manager) Alex Welsh. More information will be provided about our weekly Zoom chats on Monday.

As a permitted workplace, the Push Mobility warehouse and showroom are still open, but with a few changes, in line with our new COVID Safety Plan:

• You can still book a fitting, repair or service for your wheelchair or mobility equipment
• All appointments must be pre-booked, call or email us to arrange a time
• All clients and visitors must wear a masks when onsite
• All relevant Push Mobility staff will carry permitted worker permits, so we can safely deliver, service and fit your equipment
• We are reducing the number of administrative staff working onsite, to ensure only essential employees are onsite
• If your equipment needs a service or repair - and you can’t come to us, we can come to you - or arrange a video appointment, where we can assess the problem and arrange a courier service to collect your equipment and bring to us for repairs
• We are still shipping Australia wide and are working closely with Australia Post and our logistics partners to ensure we can get equipment, sanitiser and parts to you as soon as possible
• You can still trial mobility equipment - but contact us to discuss the best way to arrange this 

We also know that there has been some confusion about what services people with disabilities can access at the moment, so we have collated all the information available as of today, and will continue to keep you updated if things change:

COVID FAQ for VICTORIANS:

Can I travel further than 5km from my home to attend an appointment?

Yes, as the maintenance of mobility equipment is considered essential and while video appointments can help to diagnose issues with your equipment, repairs and maintenance can’t be done remotely.

Can Push Mobility provide me with documentation to support me attending an appointment in person?

Yes, when you book an appointment at Push Mobility we will send you a document that you can carry with you on your way to your appointment that explains you are travelling to attend an essential appointment.

I can’t get to your warehouse, can Push Mobility come to me?

Yes, if you’re unable to come to us, we can make a booking to come to you or can book in a time to speak with you via Zoom to diagnose any issues and then arrange shipping to bring it to our warehouse, and then send it back to you when it’s fixed.

Will I have to wear a mask during an appointment?

Yes, all Victorian clients and staff will need to wear a mask during any appointments - regardless of location.

Can I continue to access health / medical services?

Yes, you can leave home to receive health care or attend medical appointments. If you need to see a doctor or health care professional, you should do so - this includes physios, OTs, speech pathologists, dieticians, mental health services and urgent pathology. Do not put off getting medical care. Your health care professional can provide advice on how to stay safe.

Push tip: Ask your doctor to write you a letter, stating that you have a disability and you can share that with any health professionals who visit you in your home / use it when you have to leave for an appointment. You can also ask any health provider to give you a letter you can carry with you when you leave to attend appointments.

Can I still have a support worker or carer in my home (and after hours)?

Yes, support workers can continue to provide in home support, including during the curfew hours of 8pm-5am. If you have a child with a disability, support workers can continue to support them while they undertake remote learning 

Can I exercise with a carer and / or PT?

Yes, you can still exercise with your personal trainer as part of your 1 hour of allowed exercise per day. And a carer can accompany you, if required - including an informal carer, such as a family member is allowed.

Can I still have a cleaner come to my house?

Yes, essential cleaning is still permitted and you can ask your cleaner to wear a mask and gloves while cleaning. We also recommend wearing a mask yourself, when any cleaner or professional is visiting you at home.

Push tip: You can also use the letter from your doctor to give to a cleaner to explain why they need to visit your home.

I think I need to get tested for COVID, how can I find out which testing centres are accessible? 

Call your GP’s office, they may be able to test you onsite or advise you of local testing sites in your area. Alternatively, you can call the COVID hotline on 1800 020 080. 

We don’t have all the answers - but we’re trying to get as much info you as possible and will continue to do so. If there are specific questions you have relating to COVID safety - please let us know and we’ll endeavour to answer them for you.

Next week we’ll share some information with you about mask hygiene and how to correctly use sanitisers. 

Until then, stay safe, stay connected, and together we’ll all push on.

Warm regards,

Shane Hryhorec

Managing Director, Push Mobility.