Aged care and vulnerable people

Visiting residential aged care facilities

There are restrictions on visitor entry and resident movement in residential care facilities in some areas of NSW.

NSW Health advice for residential aged care facilities

Ensure all visitors wear a surgical mask while in the facility.
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 latest COVID-19 locations in NSW at the times and dates listed, except where noted otherwise
  - on any of the cases on public transport routes at the times and dates listed
  - live in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating
  - have been in the following Queensland local government areas since 2 January 2021: City of Brisbane, Logan City, City of Ipswich, Moreton Bay Region, Redland City, Lockyer Valley Region, Scenic Rim Region or Somerset Region.

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.

Face masks

In Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) face masks are mandatory in the following indoor settings:

visiting an aged care facility
shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres)
on public/shared transport and waiting areas for public/shared transport
indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres)
places of worship
hair and beauty premises.

Read more

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.

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.