Families rejoice as aged care two-visitor rule is removed in time for Christmas

Australians in aged care homes will be able to have countless visitors for Christmas including choirs, musicians and performers.

Scores of Aussie families will be able to spend Christmas morning with their loved ones in aged care facilities across the state after authorities announced they are ending the two visitor rule from tomorrow.

There is now no limit on how many people can visit a resident in an aged care home.

“The risk of transmission in the community is now low enough to facilitate the easing of restrictions for aged care, just as the NSW Government has eased restrictions across many other areas,” NSW Health aged care director Stefanie Williams said.

Health authorities have announced the aged care two visitor rule will be abolished from Tuesday 15 December. Picture: Supplied

“Social connections are important to all of us, but particularly to residents in aged care. We are very pleased to enable residents to spend time with more of their loved ones this festive season, and to provide this certainty for families as they finalise their plans.

“We understand that this year has been difficult for everyone, and we are grateful to residents and their loved ones for their patience and understanding.”

And Australians living in aged care homes will not have to miss out on Christmas carols or concerts with choirs and musicians allowed to visit for the first time since restrictions came into place in March.

The changes will also remove the need for the influenza vaccination for people providing care and support visits at aged care facilities but staff will still need to meet this requirement.