Families encouraged to visit their older loved ones in aged care

The aged care sector was pushing for essential visitor guidelines that would ensure older Australians were having their emotional and physical care needs met by loved ones while also managing the risk of COVID-19 exposure, and the guidelines were implemented last week.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, has joined peak bodies, Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), in a call for the community to start visiting aged care residents again, as there are now appropriate COVID-19 measures in place to keep everyone safe.

“We know how important it is for aged care residents to see visitors, such as family, friends and members of their community in person,” says Minister Colbeck.

“Personal contact is vital to maintaining the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of residents, reducing their social isolation and loneliness.

“We are also aware of the significant stress on a resident’s loved ones due to the extended restrictions over the last two years and new guidance means that visits can become more frequent and supported.”

The ‘Essential Visitor’ concept was part of the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes, which was developed by aged care consumer and provider peak bodies, following concerns about the mental health of people in aged care.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ACSA, Paul Sadler, says that aged care services have been working hard to keep residents connected with their older loved ones, so it is good to have extra guidelines in place to facilitate visitors.

“[Aged care services] know that regular contact is vital for residents and families and integral to maintaining their wellbeing,” says Mr Sadler.

“I am confident services are well-prepared and staff are keen to welcome visitors back in a safe manner.”

Current COVID-19 safety precautions in place at aged care facilities to help increase visitation include:

• Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits will be provided free of charge, from the National Medical Stockpile (NMS), to aged care visitors for screening to enter the facility
• The Australian Defence Force (ADF) may be requested to assist aged care facilities in screening and managing visitors, reducing the workload for current staff
• Clear policy advice through the Interim Guidance on Managing Public Health Restrictions on Residential Aged Care Facilities on taking a less restrictive, risk-based approach to outbreak management
• An additional $34.4 million over four years to expand the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) to support older people with friendship and companionship

The Department of Health is also working with the aged care sector on the development of initiatives that would support the re-engagement of volunteers who provide companionship and emotional support to older Australians.

Residential aged care facilities will be using updated COVID-19 safe practices through the Partners in Care program, which will provide improved infection control and hygiene training that will, in turn, assist in family and friends continuing to visit their older loved ones in aged care.

All of these added measures will be key to ensuring safe visitor access to older residents, even during an outbreak.

CEO of LASA, Sean Rooney, says the new guidance from the Department of Health has already made a huge difference in how providers and public health units view visitor access for those living in aged care.

“We have seen a reduction in the length of time for lockdowns and isolation, and access by essential visitors is also being supported,” says Mr Rooney.