Covid cases in aged care homes on the decline, govt stats show

Following a Christmas spike of Covid cases in aged care homes, the number appears to be dropping indicating a downward trend for the new year.

According to government statistics, the number of Covid cases recorded in aged care homes across Australia increased markedly throughout December to peak at 6,588 on 22 December.

Since then, cases have been on the decline, with the latest figures showing, as of 12 January, 3,944 cases across 591 facilities – 2,743 among residents, 1,201 among staff.

Among the aged care providers affected by Covid over the Christmas break was New South Wales and Queensland operator Whiddon.

Speaking to Australian Ageing Agenda, Whiddon’s deputy chief executive officer Alyson Jarrett said: “Whiddon experienced an increase in Covid-19 outbreaks over the Christmas period, which have now settled with only two outbreaks remaining in place.

“The outbreaks were managed in line with the relevant recommendations, and with the timely prescription of antivirals, our residents generally only experienced mild symptoms. Visitors continued to come into our homes with relevant infection prevention and control precautions in place.”

Ms Jarrett added: “Over the past three years, our teams have become very adept at managing the outbreaks, with the focus on ensuring our residents remain connected with the people that matter to them.”

Meanwhile, in South Australia, aged care provider Resthaven managed to escape the spike. “Resthaven did not experience any significant spike in Covid-19 cases over the Christmas period,” Tina Cooper, Resthaven executive manager residential & retirement living, told AAA. “It has been relatively constant.”

Treatments, support and precautions

To ensure the vulnerable remain protected, the federal government continues to provide all aged care homes with access to Covid vaccination clinics so that residents have every opportunity to receive a fourth dose.

Access to antiviral treatments also continues to be available on an ongoing basis. To fast-track residents’ access to oral antiviral treatments, the Department of Health and Aged Care advises providers to pre-assess residents for consent, discuss the administration of the medicine with residents, staff and primary carers, and develop pathways with community pharmacies. The department also encourages similar conversations with home care clients.

Covid surge workforce support remains in place until the end of the year for aged care homes impacted by further outbreaks. These supports will be provided through contracted providers and a casual agency pool.

Meanwhile, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission continues to regularly monitor and assess residential aged care services through site audits. As of 12 January 2023, the commission had conducted 4,263 spot checks to observe infection control practices and PPE protocols in aged care homes.

Financial assistance

For providers seeking financial assistance, the closing date for applications to the Covid-19 Aged Care Support Program Extension grant is 2pm AEDT, 31 March 2023. The grant is available to support approved aged care providers with the additional costs associated with managing the pandemic between 28 May 2021 to 31 December 2022.

Providers are encouraged to make sure applications are submitted by the closing date. The department advises that late applications will not be accepted.

As well, the High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment remains in place for aged care staff who work in high-risk settings over the summer. The payment is a one-off lump-sum to help staff who are unable work and earn an income because they have tested positive for Covid. Casual staff who work in residential aged care or who provide close personal care in the home or community may also be eligible to apply.

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