This edition provides information on the updated guide for home care providers, which includes guidance on how to stay safe from COVID-19. This edition also provides updated advice on using P2 masks.
We have included a notice about a webinar on ‘visiting aged care homes’ that will take place next Wednesday 27 May. This will provide an opportunity for residents, families, friends and representatives to provide feedback and ask questions about the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes.
As always, many thanks to you and your teams for your continued support to protect older Australians.
COVID-19 guide for home care providers
This guide is for providers of aged care and disability services who offer home care and support services to older people living at home and people with disability living in the community. It provides information and guidance on how to stay safe from coronavirus (COVID-19).
View the COVID-19 Guide for Home Care Providers.
Visiting aged care homes webinar
COTA Australia, Dementia Australia, National Seniors Australia and OPAN will jointly convene a webinar for the public on the renamed ‘Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes’ on Wednesday 27 May at 12pm AEST.
The final code includes the respective rights and responsibilities of providers, residents and visitors. It outlines that homes should allow residents to meet their visitors in a way that minimises the risk of COVID-19’s introduction to, or spread within, a residential care home.
The webinar will provide an opportunity for residents, families, friends and representatives to provide feedback, raise concerns, ask questions and request revisions to the code.
Register to participate in the Webinar.
Read the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19.
Information related to the use of P2 masks
The Infection Control Expert Group’s (ICEG) guidelines for community and hospital care have changed. ‘Excessive coughing' is no longer considered an aerosol generating procedure. Health care workers, and where possible patients, should wear a surgical mask. This will adequately protect against infection where excessive coughing is present. This is because coughing generates large droplet particles. These particles travel a short distance and settle, rather than remain in the air.
Resources
Coming soon
- Information on how testing works in residential aged care facilities
- Older person’s campaign update