Aged care homes advised to limit visitations: LASA welcomes moves

On Monday, the federal government encouraged aged care providers to limit the number of visitations - particularly for residents already suffering from chronic illness - under new national guidelines to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Leading Aged Care Services (LASA) has welcomed the move to reduce the risk of vulnerable older peoples becoming infected with COVID-19.

"This is about protecting our most vulnerable and saving lives, and we ask all families and friends of loved ones to co-operate," said LASA chief executive Sean Rooney.

"The safety of older Australians in care is paramount, along with the safety of the passionate and professional workforce who care for them.

"Importantly, this is a shared responsibility between the aged care sector and the entire community."

Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the advice from the Communicable Disease Network of Australia issued to aged care facilities around the nation outlines the precautionary measures for residents, staff and their families as the government continues to implement strategies to contain the virus.

"Given the risks to older Australians from COVID 19, particularly those with chronic disease and other frailties, we now recommend that residential aged care providers restrict visitor access," Mr Colbeck said.

"Our plan is to slow the spread, to save lives."

Minister Colbeck said he was aware of the emotional burden restrictions would have on families of residents in palliative care.

"We know that visitations are important and we will ensure that this is respected," he said. "The restrictions will be handled professionally and sensitively.

"All residential aged care facilities are required to have an infection control plan which can be activated in the circumstance of an infectious outbreak like Norovirus or influenza.

"Access restrictions are a normal part of those plans."

Mr Colbeck said the government will continue to work with the aged care sector to finalise more detailed guidance developed by the Communicable Diseases Network (CDN) regarding visitor access, the management of non-compliant residents and physical distancing.

It follows the release of AHPPC recommendations for wider distancing measures.

Minister Colbeck said the measures are of most importance for people over 60, particularly those with chronic illness.

"COVID-19 can be much more serious, even fatal, for people who are more vulnerable," he said.

The minister said two forums and a webinar with specialist clinical infection control experts focused on primary care, aged care and in-home care had so far outlined how providers could play their part of helping keep seniors safe.

"These discussions provided invaluable feedback from both sectors," Mr Colbeck said.

The Chief Medical Officer has also written to the aged care sector with advice about preparedness to support aged care recipients.

These guidelines aim to bolster the government's current $2.4 billion health package unveiled last week. "Communication with the sector - and with each other - will remain key during this season of uncertainty," Mr Colbeck said.

"We continue to encourage residents, staff and their families to practice good hygiene, act on advice as it becomes available and importantly, understand this situation will improve."

The aged care sector has been on rising alert levels since late January.

Mr Rooney said many aged care providers are "ahead of the curve", having already reduced visitation before the government announcement.

"In the past few days, some homes have undertaken intensified risk mitigation measures including preventing entry to individuals except for essential staff or contractors, with all people entering a facility subject to intensive screening," he said.

"Some homes, who consider their residents at higher risk, have been temperature testing and asking about overseas travel for all entrants - staff, contractors and visitors - for weeks now.

"Many homes had already reduced visits by children and school groups and visits by some volunteer visitor groups had also been discontinued."

Mr Rooney said homes are reiterating through letters and signage that protecting older people is an aged care sector and a community responsibility.

"All people associated with residents - relatives, friends, staff and contractors - must follow personal hygiene recommendations to minimise the virus threat, such as handwashing, distancing from people, avoiding touching your face and seeking immediate medical help if they have any sign of cold or flu-like symptoms," he said.

"Home care providers are also working hard to protect their clients and staff, and are intensifying their efforts, in the wake of the increasing threat of COVID-19."

Mr Rooney said while residential care sites can be secured and visitors carefully vetted to protect residents and staff, older people receiving home care are still highly vulnerable to the spread of the virus.

"The scale of the challenge is vast, with more than one million older Australians receiving care and assistance through the Home Care Packages scheme and the Commonwealth Home Support Program," Mr Rooney said.

"LASA continues to work tirelessly with agencies and the government to ensure aged care in the home is a critical part of the COVID-19 response."

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