Month: March 2020

All states and territories have released directions (links below) that set out specific requirements with regard to entry into and visitors to residential aged care facilities. These directions give effect within each jurisdiction to the decisions made by National Cabinet that were announced by the Prime Minister on 18 March 2020.

The state and territory directions set out specific requirements in relation to influenza vaccinations.

Specifically, the requirements set out that individuals must not enter or remain on the premises of a residential aged care facility if the person does not have an up-to-date (i.e. 2020) vaccination against influenza, if such a vaccination is available to the person.

Residential aged care providers should work to have all staff vaccinated prior to 1 May 2020. If staff are not able to be vaccinated before 1 May 2020, then in line with the state and territory directions, staff should seek to have an up-to-date vaccination against influenza, as soon as such a vaccination is available to them.

Read more:

Restrictions on Entry into Aged Care Facilities – Influenza Vaccinations

18 March 2020 – Update on coronavirus measures

The directions are published on state/territory government websites as follows:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

Aged care facilities should implement the following measures for restricting visits and visitors to reduce the risk of transmission to residents, including:

• Limiting visits to a short duration;
• Limiting visits to a maximum of two immediate social supports (family members, close friends) or professional service or advocacy at one time, per day;
• Visits should be conducted in a resident’s room, outdoors, or in a specific area designated by the aged care facility, rather than communal areas where the risk of transmission to residents is greater;
• No large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment, should be permitted at this time;
• No school groups of any size should be allowed to visit aged care facilities.
• Visitors should also be encouraged to practise social distancing practices where possible, including maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres.
• Children aged 16 years or less must be permitted only by exception, as they are generally unable to comply with hygiene measures. Exemptions can be assessed on a case-by-case basis, for example, where the resident is in a palliative care scenario.
• Measures such as phone or video calls must be accessible to all residents to enable more regular communication with family members. Family and friends should be encouraged to maintain contact with residents by phone and other social communication apps, as appropriate.

Read more:

UPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS MEASURES (.pdf)

Aged care providers will temporarily be able to offer more hours to international students to ensure the care of senior and vulnerable Australians, as part of the campaign to combat the impact of coronavirus.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said international students would help fill critical staff shortages emerging in the sector.

“As more workers take leave to quarantine or because of health concerns, we need to make sure there are enough staff to look after our older Australians who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus,” Mr Tudge said.

“Many international students already work in the aged care sector but are restricted to 40 hours a fortnight. We’re relaxing those limits to help fill the temporary staff shortages.

“This follows similar concessions to major supermarkets to keep shelves stocked with essential items.

“We will continue to listen to businesses as the coronavirus situation develops and may consider expanding these measures to assist other sectors if and when required. We will also consider providing flexibility with other temporary visas should the need arise.”

Read more:

International students ready to fill critical staff shortages in aged care

Published by: Dr Melanie Tan, Anita Courtney, Anthony Massaro, Libby Pallot, Solomon Miller, Donna Rayner

‘Whatever we do, we’ve got to do for at least 6 months. 6 months.’

This is what Scott Morrison said today in discussing the controversial issue of school closures. If that is the case, then restrictions he announced today for residential aged care facilities are also likely to apply for months from now. Immediate action and forward planning is crucial for all aged care providers, with residential aged care providers subject to particular urgency.

Less than a week ago (on the day the pandemic was announced by WHO) we released an Alert, ‘Aged care and the COVID-19 pandemic: 10 legal tips for residential aged care providers’. Since then, the situation has continued to rapidly evolve and we have been closely monitoring this.

Read more:

Just in – Aged Care COVID-19 Visitation Restrictions – Federal Government Announcement

Altura Learning has produced a training video which explains the virus and symptoms of the disease. This course also provides practical demonstrations of hand hygiene, application and removal of PPE and practical strategies to help prepare and mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

The course includes an interview with a Microbiologist, who educates in infection control, and will discuss the virus and its potential impact to adult social care, and steps that can be taken to protect people in our care as well as employees.

As part of our continued commitment to improving the quality of people’s lives, we are offering the course free of charge.

Read more:

Altura Learning – COVID-19

A national campaign has launched to inform all Australians about the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The campaign aims to reduce the risk to individuals and families by enabling them to make informed decisions and to take up health recommendations.

The following communication material provides more information and tips to help you be prepared:

Videos

Coronavirus video – Good Hygiene Starts Here

Coronavirus video – Stay Informed

Coronavirus video – Recent Traveller

Coronavirus video – Help Stop The Spread

Print

Coronavirus – Print ads – Simple steps to stop the spread (.pdf)

Coronavirus – print ads – Recently travelled overseas (.pdf)

Coronavirus – print ads – Good hygiene is in your hands (.pdf)

Fact Sheets

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Identifying the symptoms (.pdf)

Posters

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Keep that cough under cover (.pdf)

Radio

Coronavirus – Radio – Simple steps to stop the spread

Coronavirus – Radio – Recently travelled overseas

Coronavirus – Radio – Good hygiene is in your hands

Coronavirus – Radio – Stay informed

The transcript from last weeks workshops of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in Adelaide are now available on the Commission’s website.

Read more:

Adelaide Workshop 2 – Transcript – Monday 16 March 2020 (.pdf)

Adelaide Workshop 2 – Transcript – Tuesday 17 March 2020 (.pdf)

Message from the Commissioner – COVID-19

I am writing to provide an update on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s ongoing actions to ensure that aged care providers are supported in providing safe, quality care during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

With the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly, we are continuing to review and update our response in line with the latest Government advice.

Read more:

17 March – Commissioner’s letter to providers (.pdf)

Current links to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Read more:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines for outbreaks in residential care facilities (.pdf)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – frequently asked questions (.pdf)

Information for health care and residential care workers Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) (.pdf)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for residents of residential care services, family members and visitors (.pdf)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what you need to know (.pdf)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation guidance (.pdf)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information on social distancing (.pdf)

Resources for health professionals, including pathology providers and healthcare managers

Residential aged care providers will be encouraged to limit visits from today under national guidelines aimed at the prevention and control of coronavirus.

Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the advice from the Communicable Disease Network of Australia issued to aged care facilities around Australia outlines the precautionary measures for residents, staff and their families as the Federal Government continues to implement strategies to contain the virus.

It includes the recommendation that family and friends limit visits to residential care centres, particularly for residents already suffering from chronic illness.

“Given the risks to older Australians from COVID 19, particularly those with chronic disease and other frailties, we now recommend that residential aged care providers restrict visitor access,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Our plan is to slow the spread, to save lives.”

Read more:

COVID-19 prevention guidelines issued to Aged Care providers