The restrictions announced this week by Prime Minister Scott Morrison include limiting the length of visits and allowing only two visitors at one time per day.
Visits should also be held in a resident’s room or a designated area rather than in communal areas to reduce the risk of exposure, and large group visits or gatherings including for social or entertainment purposes are not allowed, including visiting school groups.
However, in circumstances where a resident is nearing the end of their life, aged care homes will have discretion to make special arrangements for family to visit them, while taking into account social distancing.
These new measures are on top the previous restrictions on people who have returned from overseas in 14 days, those in contact with a confirmed case and those who have not vaccinated against influenza after May 1.
At Echuca’s Glanville Village, executive director of nursing services June Dyson said the measures will help to minimise resident exposure to people who may have come into contact with or actually carry the coronavirus.
“Glanville Village is updating all residents and their families and representatives in a timely manner as new information is released and additional restrictions are introduced,” Ms Dyson said.
“This is done with both verbal and written communication.
“There is clear signage throughout Glanville and at the visitor registration station, with hand sanitising stations throughout the facility.”
“The reception area is staffed during business hours and the facilities perimeter is locked outside these ours. Access is provided by the senior person on duty.
“All visitors are screened based on the latest advice from the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The impact on mental wellbeing is continuously monitored by the care team and escalated to the relevant professional where necessary.
“Appropriate changes have been made to our Leisure and Lifestyle programs, following input from the residents.”
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