The announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian that two fully vaccinated visitors can enter aged care homes in Greater Sydney from Monday, 11 October, is welcome news for families who have been unable to visit loved ones in residential care since June.
But the decision has left many questions unanswered, namely:
- What checks, if any, should be made on visitors to protect society’s most vulnerable people?
- Does the operator have to screen each visitor or get them to prove their fully vaccinated status?
The CEO of aged care peak body Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) Sean Rooney said Ms Berejiklian’s announcement “will come as a great relief to families and aged care residents who have endured months of physical separation and isolation.”
“LASA is seeking more detail on how the current restrictions will be lifted and urges all Governments to include the aged care sector in meaningful consultations to ensure measures are in place to protect the safety of residents which are consistent with broader community reopening,” he said.
“Issues to be considered as we plan for relaxed restrictions for aged care include visitation requirements, screening, single site work arrangements, rapid antigen testing and funding to introduce appropriate practices and protections.”
Aged care homes in Sydney have increasing cases of COVID-19 – so any easing of lockdowns will come with a degree of community transmission of COVID-19.
This will put the onus on aged care providers to continue to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their residents and staff.
Anglicare Sydney CEO Grant Millard, one of Sydney’s largest aged care providers, cautiously welcomed the move.
“Fourteen weeks is a very long time for anyone in aged care to be kept apart and unable to see loved ones, other than by use of phones and computers. So, we see this announcement as a blessing for those in our care and their families and friends,” Mr Millard said.
Anglicare’s caution is anchored in the conditions being applied to visitation.
“The health and welfare of our residents and staff remains our utmost priority, so we are carefully considering the additional measures appropriate to minimise the risk of COVID-19 entering our residential aged care facilities. Screening, QR coding and evidence of recent testing will remain part of our prevention measures.
“All in all, we look forward to 11 October and watching the long-awaited reunions of families and friends with those wonderful people in our care.”
With the National Cabinet due to meet today – with aged care visitation on the agenda – it is now hoped that a national framework will be developed to allow all residents to see their families and friends safely.
