COVID-19

The Commission recognises the known physical, psychosocial and nutritional impacts on older people if they experience extended periods of social isolation. This statement outlines what our position is on provider responsibilities relating to visitor access.

On Monday 28 February 2022, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet Anderson, PSM, sent a letter to approved providers on the COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

The Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck together with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet Anderson, issued a joint letter to residential aged care providers to personally encourage all aged care residents and staff to get their COVID booster vaccination.

On Wednesday 22 December 2021, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Ms Janet Anderson, PSM, sent a letter to residential approved providers on being prepared for a COVID-19 outbreak.

This fact sheet for providers summarises key learnings and observations from more than 350 COVID-19 outbreaks at residential aged care services across Australia in 2021.

We hosted a webinar on 30 August 2021 that revisited some foundation steps providers of residential aged care can take to be ready for a COVID-19 outbreak. We also discussed the changing context of COVID in 2021.

A fact sheet for aged care residents, their families and representatives on your rights relating to COVID-19 restrictions in residential aged care.

Children and their elderly relatives can still connect during COVID-19. Regular phone and video calls will help to maintain their connection as well as help prevent loneliness in aged care
residents due to the COVID-19 isolation.

This fact sheet provides updated information for providers of aged care on effective infection prevention and control capability. This is critical to the safe, effective delivery of personal and clinical care in aged care. This is particularly the case during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

This fact sheet includes information on:
- What is the infection prevention and control (IPC) lead?
- What are the requirements of the IPC lead?
- Where can I find out more about the requirements and timing of implementation of the IPC lead(s)?
- Which approved providers need to appoint an IPC lead?

Practical guidance to support COVID-19 outbreak management planning and preparation in residential aged care facilities