Visiting hours extended at residential care homes

On Monday 11 May 2020, an Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes During COVID-19 was released, with details including visiting hours extended.

The Code sets out an agreed nation-wide industry approach that balances the need for residents to continue having visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, while minimising the risk of an outbreak in a residential care home. Click here to download a copy of the Code. Helping Hand has developed an Operational Plan that aligns with the principles of the Code and has been modified to reflect the COVID-19 situation in South Australia.

Commencing on Wednesday 20 May 2020, visiting hours will be increased and various services will recommence across all our residential care homes. New visiting hours and services for all residents, including Memory Support Unit residents:

• visiting hours extended to 10:00am-2:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm Monday to Friday and 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday and Sunday
• visits will continue to be by appointment and limited to 30 to 60 minutes
• only one visitor, per day, per resident, as nominated by the resident or next of kin
• 15 minute breaks between bookings to allow time to screen incoming visitors
• additional cleaning of rooms between 10:00am-3:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm for residents who have had visitors
• hairdressing services to recommence from 20 May 2020
• pastoral services to recommence from 20 May 2020
• volunteers will be invited to return to sites from 20 May 2020

What stays the same:

• access to the homes will be via the main entrance (for entry and exit)
• visitors will be screened on arrival and have their temperature taken
• social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines remain in place
• visits to take place in resident’s room or designated outdoor area
• social and health group activities remain temporarily suspended until further notice
• each home will have its own quota for how many visitors allowed on site
• no one will be permitted to enter a residential care home without proof of 2020 seasonal influenza vaccination
• Unless in the case of exceptional circumstance anyone who meets these criteria will not be permitted to enter any of our residential care homes:
  • they are 16 years of age or under
  • they have returned to South Australia in the previous 14 days
  • they are currently awaiting the result of a COVID-19 test
  • they have had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is also awaiting the result of a COVID-19 test.

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