COTA develops draft code to ensure aged care visitation rights during lockdowns

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) has developed a draft industry code addressing visitation restrictions at aged care homes during disease outbreaks.

The code was developed in consultation with aged care peak bodies and residents and their families in response to the pandemic, which led to lockdowns in many facilities.

Maria Berry, the consumer advisor from the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the pandemic had caused "heartbreak" for residents and their families.

"When that interaction has been cut off, the impact for older people has been phenomenal," she said.

"A lot of the time it's not only about the mental health or wellbeing of that person, but also the visitor or partner coming in — they're also very much a part of that care."