Question: Are visitors allowed at residential care facilities

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people in aged care facilities
section_headers: Residents
section_content: As we move towards a COVIDSafe Australia and
physical distancing measures are eased around the country, special
restrictions will remain in place for aged care
facilities to protect older Australians.
Residential aged care facilities will continue to restrict visits in line with
the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice for residential
aged care facilities.
They will also continue to postpone large group visits, gatherings, and
external excursions.
Aged care facilities will help residents stay connected with family and
friends by phone and video calls.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you will be kept separate from other
people and will not be able to see visitors.
Health care and residential care workers will continue to provide support and
care for you while you are isolated.
If you need to leave your room, such as for medical care, you will be given a
surgical mask. Health care workers will provide masks to you.
Residents who are well do not need to wear a mask.
Residents admitted from other health facilities
Active screening for symptoms of COVID-19 in residents being admitted or re-
admitted from other health facilities and community settings should be
conducted. No new residents with COVID-19 compatible symptoms are permitted to
enter the facility.
Appropriate infection prevention practices should be implemented for residents
returning from treatment or care at other facilities.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Answers the question about whether visitors are allowed in nursing homes and links to more detailed information.
The answer gives a summary of safety guidelines at residential care, including a mention of visitors.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: Providing aged care services during COVID-19
section_headers: Managing COVID-19 in residential aged care
section_content: Residential aged care facilities are legally responsible for infection
prevention and control under the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Aged Care Quality
Standards.
You must:

manage visitor and entry restrictions, including for new and returning residents
monitor the health of your staff
prevent and control infections
put up signs and remind visitors of the steps they need to take to help protect residents, including their flu vaccination
ensure all visitors comply with the Aged Care Visitor Access Code
manage any COVID-19 outbreaks and follow the COVID-19 outbreak guidelines

For more advice, read our COVID-19 factsheet for residential aged care
workers.
Residents and their families and carers can read our COVID-19 advice for
people in aged care facilities.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Links to detailed guidance on restricting visitors to aged care facilities.
The answer gives a summary of safety guidelines at residential care, including a mention of visitors.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people in aged care facilities
section_headers: Visitors
section_content: Some people cannot visit a residential aged care facility:

Visitors who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
Visitors who have been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days
Visitors with a fever or symptoms of a respiratory illness
Children 16 years and under, except in special circumstances, for example, where the aged care resident is in palliative care

From 1 May 2020, you must have your influenza vaccination in order to visit an
aged care facility.
Visits should be short and conducted in the resident’s room, outside, or in a
specific designated area (not a communal space).
Each resident may have no more than 2 visitors at one time per day, including
doctors. These may be immediate social supports (family members, close
friends) or professional service or advocacy.
If you can’t visit a resident in aged care as often as you would like to there
are other ways to keep in touch and stay connected. You can keep in touch by:

phone calls
video calls
social communication apps
sending a postcard
sharing photos, artwork, or short home videos

This will limit your exposure to COVID-19 and your chances of accidentally
spreading it to older people in your life.
If you regularly visit someone living with a cognitive impairment, consider
other ways to maintain social contact to help reassure people who may feel
anxious about possible changes to their day to day life. You can also contact
the National Dementia Helpline on
1800 100 500.
All visitors need to:

provide details on their current health status to staff of the residential aged care facility
be willing to undergo fever screening process prior to entry, where appropriate
wash their hands before entering and leaving a resident’s room
stay 1.5 metres away from residents where possible
stay away when unwell


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Has detailed guidance on who can and can't visit aged care facilities.
This is a detailed explanation of safety regarding visitors at residential care.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent