Burnaby, BC (April 1, 2021) — Terry Lake, the CEO of BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and EngAge BC is asking those who are making plans to visit their loved ones in long-term care and assisted living residences to work diligently with operators seeking to keep their workplaces safe and free of the spread of dangerous new COVID-19 variants.
“We have been asking the Provincial Health Officer for months to relax restrictions on care homes in a way that ensured the safety of residents and staff,” says Lake. “We did not anticipate the re-opening would be so wide ranging and coincide with a surge in cases and new variants that spread more easily.
“Understandably, whether a care home has had a COVID outbreak or not, opening the doors to visitors brings increased risks and elevated anxiety among staff. We ask for everyone to please be patient with the process, and to respect new guidelines on the number of visitors and the requirement for masking and hand sanitizing.
“Please work with the care home operator to schedule your visit time, and observe rules meant to protect all residents, staff and visitors.
“There may be occasions where it will be more difficult to schedule visits, such as on weekends and other periods where fewer staff are available in the care home. But by working collaboratively, family caregivers and care home staff can make the re-opening of our care homes as positive an experience possible for all.
“We recognize the profound grief and loss experienced by families with loved ones in care over the past year. Staff have been working tirelessly to keep residents safe and want to ensure that continues to happen.”
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Note *New* Media Contact
Michelle Ho
Digital Media and Communications Specialist
About BC Care Providers Association & EngAge BC
Established in 1977, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 400 long-term care, assisted living, home care, home support, and commercial members from across British Columbia. Through its operating arm EngAge BC, the organization represents independent living, as well as private pay assisted living, long-term care and home health services.
