A new draft of the Aged Care Visitor Access Code has been released for public feedback, with changes including an “Essential Visitors” policy and a three-tiered category system for aged care homes during COVID-19 outbreaks.
The first Code was introduced in May last year during the height of the first wave after many aged care homes closed their doors to visitors to protect vulnerable residents.
Designed to provide a balance between these concerns and the wishes of family members to see loved ones, the Code has since been revised several times.
Now with lockdown restrictions easing – and over 90 per cent of the Australian population aged over 16 fully vaccinated – the sixth revision of the Code has been revealed with several important changes.
Critically, the draft Code adds the ability for residents to name one person as an “Essential Visitor”, who will always be allowed to visit for physical and emotional care, even during an outbreak.
Another provision in the Code adds a new categorisation system of “Code Green”, “Code Orange”, and “Code Red” for aged care homes during outbreaks, where Code Green means there is minimal risk of COVID-19 in the local government area, Code Orange heightened risk, and Code Red an active outbreak within the aged care home itself.
No more lockdowns
Ian Yates AM, Chief Executive of COTA Australia, the peak consumer peak body for older Australians, said the changes are required to help find a balance between common sense safety precautions and the dignity and wellbeing of older Australians receiving care.
“Aged care consumer and provider peaks have been working throughout the pandemic to achieve a nationally consistent approach to aged care visitation, and have constantly revised the Code to respond to the latest health advice and the shifting reality of the pandemic,” he said.
“Going forward there will be COVID outbreaks across Australia, but aged care providers can’t implement rolling lockdowns. I urge all Australians with experience of aged care, whether as a recipient, worker, or family member, to fill out the consultation form and have their say.”
With COVID-19 expected to continue to pose a risk, now is the chance for all residents, families, staff and providers to have their input on how visits are managed.
The draft Code is available for viewing on the web, and the public is encouraged to give feedback via an online consultation form by midday 19 November.
