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Aged care sector

Residents of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and are more vulnerable to serious complications if they do become infected. The single most important measure for preventing COVID-19 in RACFs is the avoidance of exposure.

RACFs must implement measures to prevent introduction of COVID-19 into their facility and ensure they are prepared to manage outbreaks of COVID-19, should they occur. Detailed guidelines on managing outbreaks are provided in the Australian Department of Health’s COVID-19 guidelines for outbreaks in residential care facilities.

Queensland Health has implemented a range of measures to support the aged care sector, working with its Commonwealth counterparts and other state Government Departments to deliver responses to the COVID-19 challenge. The COVID-19 in Residential Aged Care – Report on Response Planning and Progress March 2020 to March 2021– Workforce Framework (PDF 1453 kB) (source: Queensland Health) report provides an overview of the relevant work undertaken during the first year of the pandemic.

Details of restrictions on entry into residential aged care facilities (RACFs) can be found in the Chief Health Officer’s public health directions on aged care. For advice regarding PPE, please visit our PPE section.

  • Community-based palliative care preparedness (source: caring@home)
    These resources were developed on behalf of the Australian Government to support the preparedness of palliative care service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic delivering services to home-based patients.
  • Report on COVID-19 Outbreak at North Rockhampton Nursing Centre (source: Queensland Health)
    Date Uploaded: 07/05/21
    This document provides an overview of the response to the May 2020 COVID-19 incident at a Queensland Health operated residential aged care facility in Rockhampton. Information about experiences and learnings from the incident is provided to support/improve outbreak management planning by other aged care providers.
  • Aged care resources (source: Australian Government)
    This list of resources includes apps, audio and video resources and other publications about aged care.
  • Advanced care planning advice (source: Queensland Government)
    This website provides information and resources about advance care planning for consumers and health professionals.
  • Aged care clinical guide – Palliative and end-of-life care (source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)
    This fifth edition provides guidance on the often complex care of older people, whether living in the community or residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
  • PallConsult - 24/7 palliative care advice (source: Queensland Government)
    PallConsult boosts the ability of local healthcare teams to deliver patient-centred palliative care, especially in rural and remote parts of the State.
  • End of Life Directions for Aged Care ELDAC provides information, guidance, and resources to health professionals and aged care workers to support palliative care and advance care planning to improve the care of older Australians.
  • Specialist Palliative Care in Aged Care Each Hospital and Health Service (with the exception of Children’s Health Queensland) has established services to improve access to specialist palliative care support in residential aged care facilities and increase the capacity and capability of general practice and aged care staff to deliver care at the end of life.
  • Tips for residential aged care providers (Source: Dementia Australia)
    Information for residential aged care providers regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) and supporting people living with dementia.
  • Service continuity and emergency events in aged care (source: Australian Government)
    This information details how preparing for emergencies can help lessen their effect and impact on your ability to provide a service.
  • COVID-19 Consumer Resources (source: Australian Government)
    This range of resources will help consumers understand their options on staying safe, keeping in touch with loved ones and keeping fit and active.
Last updated: 10 August 2021