Without the usual social opportunities available to residents, many facilities came up with alternative ways to keep in touch with loved ones.
But Menarock Life Murrayvale aged care home director of nursing Tracy Harvison said nothing could make up for residents not being able to get outside as usual, so face-to-face visits would come as a relief.
Initially, Tracy said most residents were happy to keep the visitor restrictions in place.
“We did a survey a few weeks ago and 80 per cent of them said ‘no’ to visitors because they were worried,” she said.
“They see all the bad news and they know the older generation is more vulnerable, they’re scared.”
Now with the proper precautions in place, the nursing home is slowly opening back up, with a potential further easing of restrictions to come in the following weeks, based on government and health advice.
Visitors are now allowed by appointment only, with one person at a time allowed per resident, and a room has been set up for screening and hand hygiene before entry to residents’ rooms.
“We’re keeping visits to around 25 minutes and are disinfecting the room after they leave,” Tracy said.
Southern Cross Care Moama began allowing short in-home visits on May 18, “in light of the reduced frequency of COVID-19 cases in the community”, after restricting access in March.
“Our residents are amazing and have been extremely supportive,” facility manager of SCC Moama Residential Care Home Katie Dax said.
In a survey, 89 per cent of residents’ family members and representatives said they supported a phased relaxation of visitation restrictions and 94 per cent of residents felt their social and emotional needs were being met.
“During this period we held wine and cheese nights, karaoke, Mother’s Day activities, men’s workshop BBQs, art therapy, craft activities, pre-recorded chapel services and personalised updates that residents created to send to their loved ones,” Katie said.
Precautionary screening remains in place and visitors must book appointments in advance.
Katie said the Moama community could help keep residents safe by not booking visits when unwell or displaying any signs of a cold or flu, or respiratory or COVID-19 symptoms.
At other aged care homes in Echuca there have been no changes to rules, with slightly different restrictions at each, and strict screening and hygiene practices in place.
Echuca Regional Health Nursing Director of Aged Care Services at Glanville Village Darren Clark said the safety of their residents remained a high priority and there had been no change to the facility's rules.
“The residents have been fantastic during these difficult times,” he said.
“We have provided additional support and activities for all residents while minimising any risks, and promoted the use social media along with letter writing to maintain regular contact with loved ones.”
Visiting hours are noon to 6 pm daily, with one visit a day and a maximum of two people at a time.
At Bupa Aged Care Echuca one visitor per resident is allowed a day for 30 minutes at a time, and visiting hours are between 11:30 am and 1 pm and 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
Visiting hours at Echuca Community for the Aged are from 1:30 pm to 4 pm, with each resident allowed two visitors per day.
More local news
Campaspe libraries to open from Monday
Community groups receive federal funding
Campaspe Council appoints new disability and aged care provider
13°C