Christmas cheer for aged care – two visitor rule removed from tomorrow

If you haven’t easily been able to see elderly loved ones in aged care because of Covid, there’s some good news – the two-visitor rule is being removed from tomorrow (Tuesday).

Not only that, performers including choirs and musicians will also be able to visit for the first time since March, so all the festive traditions of carols and Christmas concerts can also take place in a COVID-safe way in Hawkesbury’s aged-care facilities.

NSW Health’s Director of Aged Care, Stefanie Williams, said there would now be no limit on the number of people allowed to visit each resident.

“The risk of transmission in the community is now low enough to facilitate the easing of restrictions for aged care, just as the NSW Government has eased restrictions across many other areas,” Ms Williams said.

“Social connections are important to all of us, but particularly to residents in aged care. We are very pleased to enable residents to spend time with more of their loved ones this festive season, and to provide this certainty for families as they finalise their plans.

“We understand that this year has been difficult for everyone, and we are grateful to residents and their loved ones for their patience and understanding.”

The changes will also remove the need for influenza vaccination for people providing care and support visits at aged care facilities. Staff will still need to meet this requirement.

NSW Health has worked closely with Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) to prepare guidance for the aged care sector on how to enjoy a COVID-safe festive season this year.

Guidance on a COVID-safe festive season is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/festive-season-advice.aspx

Further information on the easing of restrictions in aged care facilities is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/racf-latest-advice.aspx