Viw Magazine

The Times Real Estate

.

  • Written by Yun-Hee Jeon, Susan and Isaac Wakil Professor of Healthy Ageing, University of Sydney

One in four Australians who have died from COVID-19 is from an aged care facility.

These deaths show how fatal and fast the spread of the infection can be, and the extreme challenge of containing the virus once a positive case appears in aged care homes.

But there is also community pressure to ease social distancing rules for aged care residents and, for facilities that banned visits, to start allowing family members and friends to see their loved ones again.

Read more: Banning visitors to aged care during coronavirus raises several ethical questions – with no simple answers

To address these concerns, on Friday the aged care sector and consumer advocacy organisations released a draft visitor access code. The code aims to meet the needs of residents to see their families and friends while minimising any risk of spreading COVID-19.

But putting the code into practice will require more staff time to implement them. And while additional funding is on its way, existing workforce shortages may mean a delay to boosting the front-line workforce.

Rights and responsibilities of residents and visitors

According to the code, visitors should be provided with regular updates and information about what’s happening in the facility.

They should also have the option to talk to their loved one via video conference or telephone calls to supplement in-person visits.

But they can’t visit while they have cold or flu symptoms. They must also have had their flu vaccination, wash their hands, remain in the resident’s room or designated area, and to call ahead before visiting. They may also have their temperature taken on arrival.

The code says residents should have access to video conferencing or phone calls. Georg Arthur Pflueger /Unsplash

Each facility will create its own guidelines about where residents can have guests visit – whether it’s in a dedicated room, the resident’s room, a visiting window or something else.

Most visits should be brief. But residents in their final weeks of life and those with an established pattern of care from a family member or friend, for example to help them eat, should be allowed longer and/or more frequent visits.

The code states residents can continue to use public spaces in the facility, including outdoor spaces. But if there is an outbreak, they will need to be confined to their rooms.

Rights and responsibilities of providers

Facilities have the right to refuse entry to someone for a justifiable reason, and to move to lockdown if there is an outbreak.

They have a responsibility to ensure all staff have their flu shots, to facilitate video conferencing or phone calls with family and friends, and enable in-person visits.

These changes require more staff

All of these changes require additional staff to facilitate better communication, video conferencing and increased visits during the pandemic.

Use of new technologies requires a significant amount of staff time. Many residents would need help holding the phone or dialling the number, or using Zoom or Facetime and maintaining a video conversation online. For some residents, such technologies may be a whole new world of experience.

Read more: Our ailing aged care system shows you can't skimp on nursing care

Taking bookings for visit times and screening visitors for temperature, flu vaccination status and hand sanitising takes considerable staff time. As does escorting visitors to the room and back out of the facility while ensuring they’re keeping physical distance throughout.

Staff increases will take time to implement

Residential aged care has long experienced workforce problems, including high staff turnover, failure to attract staff with sufficient qualification and training, and leadership issues, to name a few.

A timely and effective response to the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to be hampered by the sector’s existing challenges.

Implementing the guidelines will take up more staff time. Shutterstock

The Australian government, as the primary funder and regulator of the aged care system, has promised to inject more than A$850 million into the aged care sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to:

  • address workforce issues, through staff up-skilling, boosting numbers and helping to retain staff
  • support new services such as telehealth and the use of technologies to help residents and their families and friends communicate
  • continue to improve quality and safety.

However, it’s likely to take some time to see the real effect of this funding on the ground and across the whole sector.

Read more: Why are older people more at risk of coronavirus?

The draft code is a positive step in addressing some confusion around social distancing measures in aged care homes. Many providers have already been implementing the principles in the code, and beyond. But some haven’t.

Hopefully the code will be more broadly and consistently practised by all aged care providers.

Public consultations about the code are underway and close 3pm Thursday May 7. If you are a family member or friend of someone living in aged care, or you’re an aged care provider or staff member, you can raise concerns or views about the code here. The code is due to be finalised on May 11.

Authors: Yun-Hee Jeon, Susan and Isaac Wakil Professor of Healthy Ageing, University of Sydney

Read more https://theconversation.com/aged-care-visitor-guidelines-balance-residents-rights-and-coronavirus-risk-but-may-be-hard-to-implement-137706

Why Cloud VPS is the Future of Hosting in Australia

For companies looking to improve their digital infrastructure cloud VPS providers in Australia provide dependable, scalable and outsta...

Cultural Influences on Custom Apparel Trends in Melbourne

For people and organisations looking to make distinctive fashion statements, Melbourne custom apparel offers fashionable personalised ...

Best Materials for Outdoor Tiles and How to Choose the Right Option

Outdoor tiles enhance the aesthetics and functionality of patios, walkways, pool decks, and other exterior spaces. Plus, they’re durab...

The Power of Promotions: Boosting Your Brand’s Visibility

In the fast-paced world of business, staying ahead of the competition requires creativity and strategic planning. One of the most effectiv...

Forklift for Sale: What You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase

When businesses need to move heavy loads or materials efficiently, a forklift is often the go-to piece of equipment. However, before you r...

The Importance of Hiring an Asbestos Removalist in Melbourne: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Asbestos, once a popular building material, is now known to be extremely hazardous to health. Asbestos removal is a highly specialized pro...

Car Wrap in Sydney: A Powerful Tool for Business Branding and Car Signage

In today’s fast-paced, highly competitive world, businesses are always seeking innovative ways to stand out and gain attention. One of t...

Compression Fittings: How They Work and Where They're Used

Compression fittings are one of those ingenious yet simple inventions that quietly power many of the systems we rely on every day, from th...

Chef Jackets and Tunics: Function and Fashion in the Kitchen

The kitchen needs functional and stylish attire. Yes, this is a primary requirement. The chef jackets and tunics help the professionals fa...

Best 9 Guest Post Providers in Montana to Increase Organic Traffic

Want to get a lot more people to visit your website and improve its SEO? Guest writing will change everything. You can enhance your online...

uPVC Windows: Durable, Energy-Efficient, and Stylish Solutions for Your Home

Windows play a crucial role in a home’s aesthetics, energy efficiency, and security. In recent years, uPVC windows have gained popularit...

Rising Popularity of Linen and Cotton Fabrics

Linen and cotton are becoming popular within modern craft due to their great versatility and durability. Increasingly, natural fibres ap...

Athletic Hoodies: A Must-Have for Every Athlete

Sports hoodies are comfortable. This is something that helps them to get a place in the modern wardrobe. But if you think that people are ...

The Role of Clutches in Modern Vehicles: Insights from Melbourne Experts

Clutches are some of the most important car parts that make gear changes smooth and efficient power transfer. They connect the engine to...

Boosting Productivity Through Workplace Wellness

A corporate fitness program encourages physical activity and general wellbeing in the office which benefits employee overall health. B...

IT Solutions for Modern Australian Businesses: Bridging Efficiency and Growth

Modern Australian businesses experience changing barriers within a highly competitive and fast-moving market. For the sake of efficiency...

Tips for Resolving a Commercial Lease Dispute Without Going to Court

Commercial lease disputes can arise from issues such as rent payments, property maintenance, lease renewals or disagreements over terms an...

Why Electrical and Gas Safety Checks Are Essential for Victorian Homes

We all use electricity and gas every day, but sometimes we forget just how dangerous they can be if they’re not taken care of properly. ...

The Complete Guide to Electrical Services and Commercial Refrigeration Perth

In Perth's commercial sector, professional refrigeration and electrical services are essential, especially in the extreme climate of Weste...

Why Roller Blinds Are a Perfect Fit for Modern Homes

As simple design rises, people care more about window treatments. They prefer elegant lines. Roller blinds can combine style and functio...