Burnaby, BC (March 10, 2022) — Terry Lake, the CEO of BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and EngAge BC today issued the following statement in response to changes taking effect on by March 18th affecting visitation protocols for long-term care and assisted living residences.
“On behalf BC Care Providers Association board of directors and our membership, we thank Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix for today’s updated guidelines for visitors in our long-term care and assisted living residences,” says Terry Lake. “We know that social connections between residents and their loved ones are necessary to maintaining quality of life, and that the restrictions throughout the pandemic have been especially hard on residents and their beloved companions.
“We also ask visitors for their patience as greeters and other care home staff during this time of adjustment to maintain the quality of care for residents.
“We are thankful that the Public Health order still acknowledges the need for those who are entering to be fully vaccinated, to wear masks in common areas, and to have been rapid tested. On rapid testing, we are seeking more information as to where and how often it will be required for visitors.
“BCCPA throughout the pandemic has sought to ensure that clear, written guidelines for visitors are made available on a timely basis from Public Health officials, and we have requested that the details of today’s announcement are provided in writing as soon as possible.
“While not all care home operators will have to wait until March 18 to allow more visitors, there will be some that are still struggling with staff shortages that will impact the number and frequency of visits for the immediate future.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude once again to our care providers for their monumental efforts to support seniors in care over the past two years of the global pandemic. It is because of your efforts to keep the people around you safe that we are nearing the end of the COVID crisis.”
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Media Contact:
Michelle Ho
Digital Media and Communications Specialist
(604) 736.4233 ext. 224
michelle@bccare.ca
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 425 long-term care, assisted living, and commercial members from across British Columbia. Through its operating arm EngAge BC the organization represents independent living and home health service providers.
