Updated Code

The Industry Code on Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes was reviewed on 26 June 2020, which considered and incorporated feedback from peak bodies, and from consumers, families, advocates, providers and the public. It also implemented updated Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advice and the most recent state and territory Directives with which aged care providers and visitors must comply.

The Code has now been finalised, and is being increasingly implemented in residential aged care facilities. It will not be reviewed again unless it is deemed absolutely necessary.

The full statement of the consortium is available below.

Q&As developed

During the Code’s initial implementation period, many questions were raised about how the Code affected certain activities within an aged care home, such as window visits, leaving the facility and flu vaccinations. These questions have been collated and the answers provided in a document – “Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19 – Questions and Answers”. This is available to read and download below.

Victorian outbreak and “hotspots”

At the time of writing a number of suburban Melbourne suburbs have been identified as COVID-19 “hotspots” by the Victorian government. These suburbs are subject to a ‘stay at home’ order. It is appropriate for aged care homes in these “hotspot” suburbs to adopt increased visitor restrictions, consistent with the Code and the updated AHPPC advice.

Other homes across the country may apply additional restrictions, consistent with the Code, on visitors who have been in these “hotspots” over the past 14 days.

Is your facility not letting you visit, or are you unhappy with how your facility has implemented the Code?

If you are concerned about how the code is being implemented, we’re here to help you liaise with your provider and find a solution. You can give us a call on 1800 700 600.

Download the updated Code here >
Download the Second Review Statement here >
Download the FAQs here >