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The 'Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19' has been released by 13 aged care peak bodies and consumer advocacy organisations. The Code creates a nationally consistent approach that ensures residents can receive visitors while minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19.
The Code was finalised after public consultation with both consumers and aged care providers. It cements a human rights approach to care that both protects and respects aged care residents and their visitors. The Code acknowledges the work that providers and staff are doing to keep people safe during the pandemic.
The Code includes the respective rights and responsibilities of providers, residents and visitors. It outlines that homes should allow residents to meet their visitors in ways that minimise the risk of COVID-19's introduction to, or spread within, a residential care home.
The Code is available here: www.cota.org.au/AgedCareVisitors/ or here: http://agedservices.asn.au/.
The Code will be reviewed in three weeks to address any implementation issues and ensure it will respond to current concerns.
