Mother’s Day looked a bit different for residents at Edgarley Assisted Living in Casterton when the families of residents met various COVID-19 guidelines for a memorable visit.

Chief executive officer David Knight said strict adherence to the visitation guidelines meant many family members were able to visit their mother or grandmother.

“It’s not lost on our residents or their families how unique the current situation is with Coronavirus and the important government measures that are in place to keep older members of the community extra safe,” he said.

“There’s no doubt Mother’s Day was a bit different this year, but as an organisation we’re so thankful to our families who understand why the measures are in place.

“Family members are just as committed as we are to make sure our residents are not exposed to the virus and that care and cooperation provided a safe environment for an extra special 2020 Mother’s Day.”

Mr Knight said the introduction of compulsory 2020 influenza vaccinations for visitors to aged care services from May 1 was a recent, and major, change to current access arrangements.

“All visitors to Edgarley Assisted Living must provide evidence that they have had the current flu shot – that’s mandatory across the aged care sector,” he said.

“Visiting is encouraged at Edgarley Assisted Living with visiting hours between 2pm-4pm daily. Our residents are currently able to have one 20-minute visit per day from up to two people at the same time.

“All visitors are screened prior to entry to make sure they don’t have a temperature, that they have thoroughly sanitised their hands and that they’ve had the flu shot.”

Mr Knight said although the State and Federal Governments were now beginning a relaxation of public restrictions, aged care providers would be subjected to ongoing visitation restrictions for some time yet.

“The safety of our residents is paramount and the measures we have in place will stay in place for the foreseeable future,” he said.

“We are also providing many virtual visits for residents by connecting their friends and family for online video chats via Facebook messenger and Skype.”