The Federal Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) has given the news that families with loved ones in residential aged care most wanted to hear, just days before Christmas.
“The high proportion of Australians now fully vaccinated means we are gradually adjusting to a COVID-normal world as restrictions are lifted on most activities outside our homes,” said the aged care regulator in its latest newsletter.
“For residential aged care services, this means that – subject to any public health orders in place – families should be able to visit their loved ones in care, and aged care residents should be able to leave their facility and return to it under the same rules that apply to people living in their own homes in the community.
“As is now widely acknowledged, the impacts of COVID-19 have extended beyond physical health. Restricted visitor access increases the risk of social isolation for aged care consumers and can lead to a rapid decline in their wellbeing and quality of life, particularly where the restrictions are prolonged.
“Providers have a responsibility to facilitate visitors’ safe access to people living in residential aged care to support their residents’ social and emotional health and wellbeing, and this will be especially important over the approaching holiday period.”
The successful mandatory vaccination of aged care workers (99 per cent), aligned with 90 per cent of residents being vaccinated, has ensured the risks of COVID-19 entering the homes is reduced.
Booster vaccine clinics well underway
As we discussed last week, Federal Government booster clinics are now taking place in aged care homes as a priority.
CEO Sean Rooney of aged care peak body Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) said providers had to adhere to the State’s Public Health Orders.
“Residential aged care facilities are still required to screen all visitors on entry and to adhere to density requirements, as well as take into account the wishes of their residents when considering how to conduct visits safely and responsibly. The intent being to ensure the risk of COVID-19 transmission is managed effectively,” he said.
“While relaxation of visiting restrictions recognises the progress made with vaccination rates, aged care providers remain very alert to the risks posed to residents where there is still a high level of community transmission.”
“The review of the Visitor Access Code is expected to be completed soon.”
Important to remain vigilant
The Department of Health said that while COVID-19 was active in 36 residential aged care homes as of last Friday, 83 per cent of all residential aged care homes have had no cases.
With the new Omicron variant causing concern, it is still important to be vigilant when visiting loved ones living in residential care this Christmas – that means following the home’s visitor guidelines and not entering a home if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, have been deemed a close or casual contact of a confirmed case, or are awaiting a COVID-19 test result.
We all want to keep our loved ones safe and protected this holiday season – let’s all do our part to achieve this goal.
