Our policies are based on current NSW Government Health Department orders in relation to residential aged care facilities. Current advice can be found at: Advice to residential aged care facilities
In applying these orders our intention is always to safeguard the wellbeing of all residents and staff.
When changes are made to Health Department orders we will update our visiting practices as soon as possible.
Who can visit? What are the requirements?
What is the process for entry?
Other people entering the home
Can I visit an Anglicare residential aged home?
In line with Health Department policy, visiting will be permitted from Monday 11 October.
Can children, infants and teens visit?
At this time children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit. Teenagers aged 12 years and over may visit provided they can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Are there any restrictions based on where visitors live?
Any restrictions are based on current Stay At Home Orders designated by the NSW Health Department.
Do visitors need to have COVID-19 vaccination? How long prior to the visit?
All visitors must have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their visit.
Are there any exemptions to the requirement for vaccination?
Exemptions to the requirement for vaccination are available only on the presentation of a COVID-19 medical contraindication certificate completed by a medical practitioner, or in circumstances where the visit is for end of life.
Can I have a COVID-19 test instead of being vaccinated?
No. Current public health orders require all visitors to be vaccinated.
Do visitors need to have a flu vaccination?
Current influenza vaccination is strongly recommended by NSW Health, but not mandated at this time.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination for an outside visit?
Yes. Evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination is required for all visits.
Do I need to book a visit in advance?
To assist with management of screening processes all visits must be booked in advance.
How do I make a booking?
Bookings can be made on our website at Book your next visit
How can people without website access book?
If you are unable to book via the website, please phone the home during business hours for assistance with booking.
If there are a limited number of visits each day, how will this be managed to make sure it’s fair for everyone?
The management team at each home will monitor bookings to ensure that each resident has the opportunity to receive visitors.
Will visits be available after hours and on weekends for people who can’t come during working hours?
Visiting times at each home will be determined based on their individual situation and staffing. We will endeavour to have a range of visiting hours to suit as many visitors as possible.
What is the screening process on entry?
Visitors will be required to:
Screening questions relate to the visitor’s current wellbeing, their recent whereabouts, and whether they are a close or casual COVID-19 contact based on the latest NSW Health Department advice. These questions are updated regularly.
Will visitors be required to have a COVID-19 test prior to entry?
Following a risk assessment based on the answers to screening questions, some visitors may be required to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test.
If a test is required, will I have to pay for it?
No. If a test is required the cost will be covered by Anglicare.
Where can visits take place?
Visits are permitted in either the resident’s room or an outside area but not in any inside common areas.
What happens for residents in shared rooms?
Depending on individual circumstances, visits may take place in the resident’s room. Otherwise, visitors may be directed to a designated visiting area.
Are residents able to leave for recreation or social gatherings?
Residents are permitted to leave the home provided they:
Within the guidelines above, residents can attend an outdoor gathering in a public space of up to five people for outdoor recreation provided all people at the gathering aged 16 years or over are fully vaccinated.
Can I take a resident to my home or to a café or shop?
This is not permitted within the current Health Department orders. However, the Public Health Orders are changing rapidly and Anglicare’s advice will be updated in line with any changes.
Note: Residents are able to visit a café that has takeaway facilities or an outdoor public area.
Can I bring gifts, food or flowers?
Yes – you are welcome to bring these items. Gifts and food should be in packaging that can be wiped down with antiseptic wipes.
Can I bring pets to visit?
Yes – you’re welcome to bring pets so long as they are kept under control.
Can I bring a resident from another residential aged care home to visit?
The Public Health Orders currently do not permit people to visit in other homes. Residents are welcome to meet residents from other residential aged care homes as part of an outdoor visit as described above.
How long can each visit last?
While there is no time limit on visits, all visits must conclude by the end of the daily visiting period stipulated by the home.
Do visitors need to wear PPE? What about physical distancing?
All visitors are required to wear a surgical mask which Anglicare will provide. Please note that cloth masks are not permitted. To safeguard the wellbeing of all residents we ask that you maintain appropriate physical distancing for the duration of your visit.
How many visitors is each resident allowed per day?
Two visitors per day are permitted for each resident. This may be at the same time, or at different times during the day. They may be different people each day.
Are medical practitioners able to see residents in the home? Does a consultation count as a ‘visit’?
Medical and allied health practitioners are able to enter the home. These consultations do not count as one of a resident’s daily visits.
Are residents able to leave for medical appointments?
Residents are able to leave the home for essential medical appointments. We will provide appropriate PPE and infection control advice based on the individual circumstances of the appointment (e.g. day procedure v. hospital admission where hospital has an outbreak of COVID-19).
How can I obtain proof of a resident’s vaccination prior to taking them to a medical or other appointment?
All vaccination certificates are provided through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You may either:
When will hairdressers return to the home?
From Monday 11 October
Do staff, contractors and medical personnel have to be vaccinated? Are they screened or tested prior to entry?
All residential aged care staff are required to have their COVID-19 vaccination. Contractors are currently required to be vaccinated, and medical practitioners are required to be vaccinated by the 31 October. All people entering the home undergo the same screening requirements, which may include Rapid Antigen Testing.
Will the visiting policy change after 1 December?
Our visiting policies are always based on current NSW Government Health Department advice.
I have questions not answered here.
If you have a question regarding a particular resident, or in relation to specific circumstances such as end of life, please discuss directly with the Manager of the home.
This information is correct as of 8 October 2021. Information may be amended due to any updated advice from health departments.