Partners in Care - people who go in every day to support loved ones living in residential aged care - should be listed as essential care visitors, according to aged care and consumer peak bodies.
The twelve organisations have released an updated Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19. The update is in line with latest Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice.
The Code aims to give people living in residential care as much protection as possible from COVID -19 while ensuring that their mental health and social connections are maintained throughout the pandemic.
The Code signatories are calling for State and Territory health directives to list 'Partners in Care' as essential visitors, allowing them to visit and provide care at residential facilities during community outbreaks. They are not currently included.
"The care that 'Partners in Care' provide for older Australians is no less essential than that of our dedicated aged care workforce," said Ian Yates of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia.
"Earlier in the pandemic there were concerning examples of aged care facilities banning all visitors in an attempt to keep COVID out. This has caused great distress for older Australians and their families and caused irreversible harm to many residents which no one wants to see repeated."
"It's essential that aged care providers, families and older Australians are clear on their rights, responsibilities and the appropriate guidelines. That's the only way to ensure we put older people first and support our workers, said Patricia Sparrow, chief executive of Aged and Community Services Australia,
"Lockdowns and the pandemic have been hard on everyone, but it's no secret that older people in residential care have suffered more isolation and anxiety than most of us. The updated code will help residents and staff alike to make the most of life during a lockdown."
The care that 'Partners in Care' provide for older Australians is no less essential than that of our dedicated aged care workforce.
- Ian Yates COTA Australia
Older Australians and their families experiencing difficulties with visiting aged care homes can call the Older Persons Advocacy Network 1800-700-600 or visit opan.com.au to receive free confidential support and advice from an independent advocate.
A copy of the updated code is available at www.cota.org.au/AgedCareVisitors or www.agedservices.asn.au.