It’s important for residents in a nursing home or residential care facility to have regular visits from the people who are most important to them.
There is no limit to the number of different people who can visit a resident.
The resident will decide who they want to see. The nursing home or residential care facility can give you up-to-date information about visiting.
Visits should not be restricted unless there is a risk to residents.
If there is a restriction on visiting, the nursing home or residential care facility should tell you why and for how long.
When you should not visit
Do not visit a nursing home or residential care facility if you have:
- symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19 or any other infection
- a stomach bug (gastroenteritis) - symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting
If you have symptoms of a stomach bug, cold, flu or COVID-19, do not visit until you have had no symptoms for at least 48 hours.
If there is a COVID-19 outbreak
Even if there is an outbreak, residents should still be able to see their nominated support person or other visitors as long as they understand that there is a risk they may pick up an infection.
Before your visit
Talk to the staff before your visit so they can:
- note your contact details
- explain the precautions to follow when you visit
It's OK to bring a gift or anything else the person you're visiting may need.