While Canada compared to other countries such as the United States, Italy or the United Kingdom has been largely more successful in reducing the overall number of COVID-19 cases world-wide, it has among the highest percentage of deaths in long term care. In Canada, for example, over two-thirds of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in long term care. This has resulted in increased calls by the public and the media to review or reform the existing long term care sector. Such reviews or investigations are already occurring or being planned already including in Ontario and Quebec.
As outlined by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at Ryerson University, as of late May 2020 about 80 per cent of all coronavirus deaths in Canada had occurred in long term care homes, which compared to other countries in Europe or United States is quite high. While Canada does have a high overall death rate it is important to note that there are significant differences across the country as some jurisdictions have been better able to limit outbreaks while others such as Alberta, Ontario and Quebec have experienced more challenges. Part of this, however, particularly in the latter two jurisdictions (Ontario and Quebec) may in part be due to higher levels of community spread from having higher population numbers, population density and lack of control measures in place (i.e. social distancing, testing, etc.).
As outlined in an earlier BCCPA op-ed, from a national standpoint, the experience of British Columbia seniors care providers and independent living operators is a study in contrast to other parts of the country where COVID-19 continues to ravage long-term care and retirement homes in Ontario and Quebec, including to the point where the country’s armed forces have been called in for support. While BC’s overall numbers are comparatively lower to some jurisdictions it is still important to note that as of late May over 100 BC residents living in long term care had died as result of COVID-19 or about 65% of total deaths.
Join Michael Nicin, Executive Director , National Institute on Ageing | Ryerson University as he moderates this panel who will discuss experiences from various jurisdictions including some of the challenges and successes they have faced in dealing with COVID-19. Likewise, along with discussing some of the challenges and successes related to COVID-19 this panel will highlight what the future for seniors care and living, including staffing, could look like in Canada as we continue deal with COVID-19 and possibly future pandemics.
Aly Devji, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Good Samaritan Society | Board President, BC Care Providers Association
Donna Duncan, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Long Term Care Association
Dr. Janice Keefe, Professor/Chair of Family Studies + Gerontology, Director, Nova Scotia Centre on Aging at Mount Saint Vincent University
Jodi Hall, Executive Director , New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes | Chair, Canadian Association of Long Term Care
Panel: Canada and the COVID-19 Pandemic: What went right, what went wrong, and what next?
September 22, 2020
10:15 am – 11:15 PST
We are pleased to offer delegates various ticket options with single day passes ($99) and five day passes ($399) with group discounts available. Sessions can be viewed ‘live’ or ‘on-demand.’
NOTE: If you had registered for the cancelled Whistler conference please contact cora@bccare.ca to process a refund. You must complete a separate registration to participate in the virtual event.
