The doors are opening just a little wider into Western Australia's residential aged care facilities, with some visitation limits easing on Friday.
The state government will lift restrictions on the number of visits per day, but the limit of two people per visit will remain.
Aged care residents such as Martha Carruthers say they're content with being able to see two family members at a time.
"I look forward to my children coming … even more so since I lost my husband four years ago," she said.
"I'm very lucky to see one of them every day. And we can go out and have a meal out with them. So, I'm very content."
The changes will still see WA remain with some of the strictest aged care visitation rules in the country.
Every other state and territory — except South Australia — no longer have any limits on the number of visitors under public health orders.
In South Australia, only two visitors are allowed per day if fewer than 70 per cent of residents have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose.
Perth aged care provider Regents Garden's chief executive, Yvonne Ayre, said she was comfortable with the safer approach of easing restrictions in Western Australia behind everywhere else.
"Visitors are very, very important. But, we also want to keep our residents safe," she said.
"Hopefully that's the next stage, that the visitors will be allowed in more than two at a time. We'll see groups and families back again enjoying themselves in the facilities."
Visit, but remain vigilant
Individual facilities are allowed to implement tougher visitation limits, but the majority have tried to foster more connection rather than less, according to Aged and Community Care Providers Association chief executive Paul Sadler.
"There were long periods of time where older people were unable to see family and friends," he said.
"We want visitors. We know that locking down aged care services and keeping visitors out is detrimental."
The Royal Commission into Aged Care found restricting visits during the pandemic was necessary, but caused "tragic, irreparable and lasting effects".
Restoring physical connection between older people in aged care homes and their loved ones was one of the commission's key recommendations.
But Mr Sadler gave a stark warning for families and friends to remain vigilant while visiting loved ones.
"This pandemic has not finished."
Visitors and employees in West Australian residential aged care facilities are still required to wear face masks and be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.
Karen Knowles is a staff member at Regents Garden, and said it was important to follow safety guidelines despite the easing of some restrictions.
"We've gradually been opening things back up. Guest meals are now allowed in the cafe area, and visitors are now allowed to access the communal areas," she said.
"It gives them that social aspect back … it's nice that we're getting some normality."
