Today’s announcement from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix regarding the relaxing of restrictions in long-term care and assisted living homes is very welcome news for residents and their loved ones, and care providers alike. The restrictions set in place a year ago that kept care home residents apart – speaking through windows and barriers, unable to dine with friends in the care home, or hold a hand or feel a hug – are set to end on April 1st.
We have heard countless stories over the past 12 months of how difficult the experience of isolation and physical separation has been for residents, and the emotional toll this has had for sons, daughters, spouses, grandchildren and other companions. It warms the heart to think that the time where people can hug their loved one in a care home is about to happen once again.
While it is only a few days from now, we kindly request that those who are looking forward to seeing their loved one in care remain patient as our operators prepare to re-open to visitors. We also remind the public that the risks of COVID while diminished thanks to vaccinations, the virus can still spread. Abiding the requirements around hand hygiene and not visiting if you’re feeling ill are critically important.
There remains a concern around workers that have not been vaccinated. Recent stories have brought to light that in some care homes many staff have not yet been vaccinated. In addition to advocating that our member care homes require that all staff are vaccinated, we call upon Dr. Henry and the provincial government to mandate that all care home staff must be vaccinated or test negative for COVID-19 as a requirement for work.
The relaxation of care home visitor restrictions is an important milestone on the path toward a return to normal for residents, families and care providers. Knowing that this transition will involve strong feelings of emotion and grief for family members and loved ones, we are supporting our members by hosting a free online forum on March 30th titled, “You Don’t Need to Do it Alone: Supporting Families Through Grief and Loss.”
We must take further steps that the restrictions set in place for the past year can never happen again.
– Terry Lake, CEO
