Aged care and vulnerable people
Visiting aged care facilities and how to lower the risk of coronavirus exposure if you are older, have a compromised immune system or chronic medical condition.
On this page
Visiting residential aged care facilities
Restrictions on visitor entry into residential care facilities and wearing of masks is advised by NSW Health when additional precautions are needed.
Before you go, find out the current arrangements in place for any facility you plan to visit.
NSW Health advice for residential aged care facilities
- Record every visitor's
- name and phone number
- date and time of entry
- time of exit (where possible).
- Exclude any visitors who:
- have a fever (37.5°C or higher) or any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, even if mild
- during the last 14 days have been:
- a close contact of a person confirmed with COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period
- in any of the locations listed in the latest COVID-19 news and updates at the times and dates listed, and need to be tested and self-isolate, except where noted otherwise
- on any of the public transport routes at the times and dates listed
- live in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating.
For more details see NSW Health advice for
Protect yourself and others
If you are a vulnerable or older person you may be more at risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). There are steps you can take to lower the risk to yourself.
- avoid unnecessary travel
- avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, including;
- fever (37.5 ° or higher)
- cough
- sore or scratchy throat
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- loss of smell or
- loss of taste
- consider having your groceries and medications delivered to your home
- clean and disinfect surfaces
- frequently wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub
- cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow.
Tips for coping during COVID-19
There are things you can do to help you stay mentally and physically healthy during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Find ways to keep in touch – use the phone or email to have daily conversations with your family or friends.
- Keep an eye on your diet – make sure that you eat healthy and regular meals. Consider delivery of fresh produce. If you need help with shopping, supermarkets are offering support services.
- Keep your medical needs up to date – make sure that you continue to go to your regular medical appointments and remember to maintain your medications. Ask your GP and chemist for assistance.
- Read information from official sources – make sure you get information from official sources such as the NSW Government and the Australian Government.
Information and services on COVID-19
Explore the support services and information available to people who are vulnerable and their carers.
Other services
Links
- Carer Gateway - practical information about for people who care for someone
- Carers NSW supports all carers across the state
- MyAgedCare - COVID-19 information and support for older Australians
- National Disability Insurance Scheme - COVID-19 information and support
- Call the Coronavirus Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787
- Department of Communities and Justice seniors, people with disability and carers
Phone contacts
National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 02 00 80 (operates 24/7) for information on COVID-19.
Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line 1800 17 18 66 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm) provides information and support to senior Australians, their families and carers.
Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline 1800 62 82 21 if you have any concerns about abuse, neglect or exploitation.