The COVID-19 pandemic might have restricted visits to aged care facilities in NSW, but this hasn’t dampened the spirits of elderly residents from St Basil’s nursing home in Lakemba.
The elderly spent their free time writing sweet messages on chalkboards to show their love to their families and reassure them they were safe and well.
“I love you. Be careful,” writes 83-year-old Maria in one heartwarming message.
“I’m well and they are looking after me. I want you all to be well and for God to look after you,” 89-year-old Anastasia joined in.
Maria wrote a message to her family. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT. 
Yiayia Toula wrote to her grandchildren. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT.
And that’s not all the elderly residents at St Basils have been up to.
Over the last few weeks, the facility has been ensuring its residents remain safe and comfortable in their homes, giving them a chance to complete jigsaw puzzles and even create “Happy May Day” wreaths.
The smiles on their faces were something to behold.
Residents at St Basils were encouraged to make “May Day” wreaths. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT. 
Jigsaw puzzles are becoming a part of daily life at the nursing home. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT.
Aged care visits restricted during COVID-19 pandemic:
The positive steps taken by St Basils to maintain the happiness of its residents, come in the wake of Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing in late April that visits to nursing homes were being restricted.
In fact, the following people are currently not allowed to enter an aged care facility:
- Anyone who has returned from overseas in the past two weeks.
- Anyone who had been in contact with a confirmed coronavirus case.
- Anyone with a fever or flu-like symptoms.
- Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against influenza after May 1.
Visits will also be limited in time and a maximum of only two visitors will be permitted into facilities at one time per day.
No word yet on when these restrictions will be eased.
