On June 30th, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix announced that in-person visits in the province’s long-term care and assisted living residences would be allowed to restart, and that the government was providing $160 million in funding to care homes so they can hire enough employees to manage visits and ensure that safety protocols are followed.
While most care homes in B.C. have put safety plans in place to begin visits, some families are still waiting to meet their loved ones in-person.
CTV Vancouver Island News published a story on Friday about a family member who has not been able to visit his 80-year-old father living with dementia in a care home in Duncan, B.C. While the time apart has been difficult, the care home operator promises that they will allow visits by next Tuesday. As is the case with several care homes around the province, staffing is particularly challenging during the time of year most people are using up their much-deserved vacation time.
Mike Klassen, Acting CEO of BC Care Providers Association, told CTV News that care providers who are not allowing visits yet are on track to provide them and are working to make sure that they happen safely.
“For this to be safe for family members and for staff, we have to make sure that there are enough staff members to manage the visits,” Klassen says.
Operators of long-term care and assisted living residences are thankful, says Klassen, for the $160 million in funding promised by the province to help arrange visits for thousands of B.C. seniors who have been longing to see their families and friends since restrictions were put in place in March.
“Provided there is not another COVID-19 outbreak, we must ensure that family visits in long-term care and assisted living are allowed to continue. Visits with loved ones and social interactions are integral to seniors’ quality of life,” he adds.
