BCCPA’s #CaretoChat discusses seniors’ isolation and essential family visitors during pandemic

On Thursday, BC Care Providers Association held the first Care to Chat of 2021. “Putting Seniors and Families First” delved into the impact of COVID-19 visitation restrictions on seniors and their families, as well as the vital role family caregivers play across the seniors living and care continuum.

Moderated by BCCPA CEO Terry Lake, the event featured panelists Isobel Mackenzie, B.C. Seniors Advocate; Barb McLean, Executive Director, Family Caregivers of BC; Dr. Maria Chung, Clinical Assistant Professor, Geriatric Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; and Ron Pike, Executive Director, Elim Village.

Lake opened the discussion by describing the mental health and emotional toll of isolation caused by COVID-19 restrictions in long-term care and assisted living.

Panelists also discussed the use of rapid tests in seniors’ care homes, how to better incorporate family members as part of the care team, and how to help residents maintain social connections, particularly during the pandemic.

According to a survey by Family Caregivers of BC, 40% of caregivers in B.C. – nearly 1 million people – are giving more than 11 hours per week, in addition to other responsibilities including full-time work.

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BCCPA thanks our Title Sponsor Rexall Health Solutions, Gold Sponsor Point Click Care, Silver Sponsors Sobeys National Pharmacy and Medical Pharmacies Group for their generous support of our Care to Chat speaker series.

See more of the live tweets from the Care to Chat here.

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