Aged care visitors must be fully-vaccinated

Visitors to residential aged care facilities must have evidence they are fully vaccinated according to rules applying from today, Monday, October 11.

BlueWave Living chief executive Mr Matt Downie said: "All visitors must be fully vaccinated for Covid, with last dose being at least 14 days prior.

"Only two visitors per resident per day will be allowed, and must be 12 years or older.

"Visits must occur in the resident's private bedroom, or other area as designated by BlueWave staff.

"We request that visitors do not to interact with other residents in BlueWave, other than those who they are visiting," Mr Downie said.

"All visitors must be screened in line with current Health Advice, and must check in via a QR code.

"We have implemented an updated version of an electronic screening and check in procedure.

"This will include temperature checks, screening questions, details about who you are visiting and linking through to NSW Health QR code for compliance.

"Our staff will be there to assist.

"All visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain social distancing.

"Our opening hours for visits will be from 10am to 4pm daily."

Bookings are required for residents who are in a shared room.

No booking is necessary for residents who have their own private bedroom, but they may only have one visit per day with up to two visitors.

"It is wonderful that we are now able to have visitors return to BlueWave Living, and we look forward to our residents enjoying visits from loved ones," said Mr Downie.

"For those who are unable to visit, other options will continue to be available, including phone and video chats across various platforms.

"Please contact our friendly team to make a booking."

Mr Downie said fully-vaccinated residents were permitted to leave the facility by themselves or with a friend or relative for exercise or outdoor recreation only.

They must stay within the local government area, he said.

"Residents can attend family outdoor gatherings, as long as all those in the gathering are 16 years or older and no more than five persons in the gathering.

"Residents must wear a face mask.

"A risk assessment by the facility may be undertaken.

"Residents may continue to leave the facility to attend required medical appointments as previously."

Mr Downie said: "Our elders, even fully vaccinated, do remain more at risk of Covid, due to having other health issues and reduced immunity response."

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 7 Oct 2021

Matt Downie, BlueWave Living