The latest #CaretoChat has received an unanimous thumbs up from registrants who said they enjoyed the analysis and candid discussion from our panel, and the chance to weigh in with their peers during our Zoom breakout sessions. During the discussion we heard from Dr. Denise Cloutier (University of Victoria), Wynona Giannasi (Howegroup) and Debra Hauptman (Langley Lodge), who each brought perspectives on the survey findings contained in the Pandemic Next Wave Report.
The conversation began with panelists asked to share their biggest surprise out of either the findings of the report, or the experience of the early days of the COVID crisis. Hauptman — whose Langley Lodge site was hit hard by a COVID-19 infection during May and June — described having to visit Canadian Tire to pick up supplies, as stockpiles of PPE and other critical infection prevention tools did not exist.
Our #CaretoChat is underway! Our panel is reflecting on how #COVIDー19 impacted #seniorscare and how we respond better during the #SecondWave @TerryLake19 @debraforhealth pic.twitter.com/FOd5xuqbb2
— BC Care Providers (@BCCareProviders) November 27, 2020
Wynona Gianassi described her emotional reaction to the struggles operators faced in the height of the COVID-19 first wave. “Providers were stretched and at their limit — emotionally and physically,” she remarked.
Dr. Denise Cloutier spoke of harnessing the work of the multiple parts of the seniors care continuum, including independent living and the provision of home health that are outside the public system. While she welcomed having the federal government play a role, she stated that “providers must keep the ability to be nimble and responsive.”
BCCPA thanks our Title Sponsor Rexall Health Solutions, Gold Sponsor Point Click Care, Silver Sponsors Sobeys National Pharmacy & Medical Pharmacies Group for their generous support of these critical dialogues. Stay tuned for an announcement of our next Care to Chat scheduled for the New Year!
