Can I visit my parents and elderly relatives?
A number of rules are in place regarding what you can and can’t do due to the outbreak of coronavirus in Australia.
As of Sunday, you can’t have a public gathering or more than two people. You also can’t leave your home in NSW unless it’s for one of 16 reasons.
States have differing laws on whether you can visit your spouse or significant other.
You might be worried about your elderly relatives, and parents, and how they’re getting along.
Can I visit older people?
According to the Department of Health, “The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases with age” and “the highest rate of fatalities is among older people, particularly those with other serious health conditions or a weakened immune system”.
Social distancing is being widely policed with people told to stand 1.5 metres away from each other.
In most states, you can still visit an elderly relative but you can’t bring the entire family. Visits are limited to one person at a time.
Outside gatherings, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Sunday, are limited to just two people.
The government advises if you can’t visit a relative, or don’t want to risk infecting them, you should pick up the phone and call them instead.
Mr Morrison also advised anyone over the age of 70 to stay indoors.
“They can go outside and be accompanied by a support person for the purposes of getting fresh air and recreation but should limit contact with others as much as possible,” he said.
For a relative with dementia you can also contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for support.
Is it dangerous to visit elderly people?
It’s not necessarily dangerous, but the virus has shown, at least at this stage, to be more harmful to older people.
Most of the Australians who have died from COVID-19 have been over the age of 70.
It’s also possible that children and young people may be carriers of COVID-19 but show no symptoms, making it extremely difficult to tell if it’s safe for them to visit an older relative.
What do I do if I need to help an older relative?
Most states, including NSW, Victoria and Queensland, will allow you to leave your home to care fo a relative in need of assistance.
However, in WA if your relative lives in another region, such as you live in the Pilbara and they live in Kimberley, you may not be able to.
This is because the WA Government has restrictions on people moving between regions in the state.
If you’re worried about your elderly relative getting access to food - you can order groceries for them. Elderly and vulnerable people are being prioritised when it comes to home deliveries from most supermarkets.
There’s also Meals on Wheels, which provides regular meals for the elderly.
Can I go to a retirement home or a nursing home?
If your relative lives in an aged care facility, there are restrictions on visits which include you possibly receiving a health screening before being allowed on the premises.
Visit times have also been reduced and a maximum of two immediate social supports (family members, close friends) or professional service or advocacy at one time can visit.
Can I visit someone in a hospital?
You can still visit relatives at most hospitals, but it’s best to limit them to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Hospitals will have their own rules on visits such as how long you can be there, whether you need to make an appointment and how many people are allowed in.
It’s best to check with the hospital before visiting.
What are the reasons for leaving my home?
Different states have different rules with NSW listing 16 reasons why you can, including for exercise, buying groceries and if you need to escape harm.
Generally, these reasons are in place across every state and territory with the rules in place to limit the amount of time people are outside.
On Sunday, the PM listed four acceptable reasons for stepping out of the house as shopping for essentials, medical care or compassionate needs, exercising and education or work.
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