Fears for virus second wave keep BHS aged care visitors shut out

BHS has made clear it will stick to recommendations from Victoria's Health Department and the state's health experts for when to start a phased re-opening to aged care residences.

In a BHS statement to media on Thursday, the health service said "a COVID-19 surge is still a very real possibility" and cited second surges of the virus in other countries following relaxing of lockdowns.

International data showing 30 per cent of aged care residents appear to show no symptoms when positive with COVID-19 was concerning, according to BHS, and that 52 per cent of reported deaths had been elderly people living in residential care or assisted home living.

The possibility Ballarat could be virus free also hinges on undetected cases, particularly those asymptomatic ones. This was not a chance BHS wanted to take until confident it can protect the health of those living in its facilities.

Ballarat has gone three weeks without a new coronavirus case. BHS is not releasing how many of the city's nine cases are still active, or in hospital, due to what it states would breach patient confidentiality.

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BHS aged care homes have been closed to visitors since late March with limited external services. Palliative care residents are an exception but with social distancing in place.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison made a plea to aged care providers not to impose harsher visitor rules than those recommended by health experts.

This followed a national cabinet meeting on Tuesday from which Mr Morrison said state and territory leaders were concerned about the isolation and mental well-being of the elderly.

Some private aged care residences in Ballarat have opted for limited visitation, such as by appointments and with temperatures taken before entering.

Dementia advocate Anne Tudor, who can visit her partner Edie in aged care, told The Courier earlier this week that even with sensible changes residents still seemed unsettled. Ms Tudor said many with advanced dementia did not understand the concept of social distancing.

But Ms Tudor said face-to-face communication was important.

Leading Ballarat geriatrician Mark Yates has warned coronavirus would disproportionately affect the elderly not just in mortality but in mental health from isolation.

"They are inherently socially isolated anyway ... and we know that social isolation is a risk for poor mental health outcomes and poor physical health outcomes," Associate Professor Yates said.

He also said not to underestimate the use of technology with the elderly to stay connected, including for those in aged care homes.

BHS has increased its WiFi and access to mobile devices for residents. The health service has also continued finding ways for lifestyle programs within facilities and in social engagement. Community artwork and letters have also proved popular.

Meanwhile, BHS could reintroduce some day surgery procedures at its Base Hospital from as early as next week while still maintaining preparations for a COVID-19 surge.

BHS is reviewing surgeries that could safely be reintroduced following the Victorian and federal government announcements this week category two and three surgeries could step up after the Anzac Day weekend.

This could include IVF, post-cancer reconstruction, eye surgery, some dental, joint replacements and cancer screening programs. Elective surgeries were put on hold last month to both better protect health workers and a patients and to prepare for a COVID-19 response.

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