• COVID-19 Update – Easing of Visitor Restrictions

    COVID-19 Update – Easing of Visitor Restrictions

    The updated South Australia Emergency (Residential Aged Care Facilities
    No 17) (COVID-19) Direction 2020     came into effect on Monday 14 December.

    The key changes in the Direction include:

    • An easing of visitor restrictions:
      • There is no restriction to the number of care and support visits a resident may receive in a day.
      • There is no restriction to the number of people who may visit the home for the care and support of a resident in a day.
    • All persons visiting over the age of 12 years or working in a residential aged care home must wear a face mask (covering the mouth and nose) whenever they are in the physical presence of other/s (except when eating or drinking). Wearing a mask will no longer be required on or after 23 December 2020.

    The Direction requires that:

    • Visitors continue to provide their contact details and record their presence at the home in the site visitor register.
    • All those entering the home continue to be screened upon entry. People who do not fall into any of the prohibited categories may enter the home.
    • Visiting is to occur in the resident’s room, outdoors, or in a specifically designated visiting area.
    • Physical distancing of 1.5m is maintained and the maximum number of people permitted in a room is adhered to in line with the home’s Infection Control Plan as approved by SA Health.
    • Personal care assistants work at only one residential site to the extent reasonably possible.

    Visiting hours are regularly reviewed as part of our ongoing COVID-19 response. To maintain the safety of residents, Resthaven will manage visits to residential homes as follows:

    Visiting Times:

    • Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am – 4pm
    • Tuesday and Thursday: 10am – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm
    • Saturday: 1pm – 5pm
    • Sunday and Public Holidays: 1pm – 3pm.

    During these visiting periods, on entry, all visitors are required to record their temperature, complete and comply with the details as listed in the visitor register and provide evidence of having received the 2020 seasonal influenza vaccination.

    Visits to a resident is to occur in:

    • the resident’s room or,
    • a designated visitor space at one of our homes or,
    • an outside garden area.

    Visitors may only visit their family member / friend.

    The number of visitors present at any time will be monitored in line with the requirements to maintain physical distancing in any space.

    Visiting Hours for Christmas Day:

    As previously advised, Christmas Day visiting hours are as follows:

    • Morning: 9am – Midday
    • Afternoon: 2pm – 5pm
    • Evening:  6pm – 8pm.

    Residents may leave the home, noting that the Public Health recommendation is to wear a mask in public where physical distancing cannot be maintained. If residents choose to leave the site, we request information be provided about where the resident is going and with whom they are travelling/visiting to assist with contact tracing. Staff will discuss risks of leaving the site with the resident/representative.

    Should there be a change in the current COVID-19 situation in South Australia, visiting times and arrangements may need to be reviewed.

    Communication with families / friends

    Resthaven provides updates to each resident and their primary contact person (as listed in our resident information system). We appreciate that the primary contact will keep other members of the family and/or significant others updated by sharing this information. Please advise the site promptly of any changes to contact details.

    Should you have any queries related to the current situation, please speak with your site Manager Residential Services.

    For additional information please refer to SA Health Fact Sheet:

    Read the SA Health Fact Sheet here

    For the latest public advice, visit www.health.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

    An Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line is available to provide information, support and connection for older people during this period. COTA Australia, National Seniors, Dementia Australia and the Older Person’s Advocacy Network have collaborated to deliver this service.

    Older Australians, their families, friends and carers can FREECALL 1800 171 866 to discuss COVID-19 related concerns.