Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Jill Sperling

COVID-19

BC Care Providers Association says eased visitation restrictions a huge relief for many seniors

Mar 25, 2021 | 4:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — An easing of visitation restrictions at long term care and assisted living facilities is welcome news to the CEO of the BC Care Providers Association.

Terry Lake has been advocating for more relaxed restrictions as conditions have improved at these facilities. With the rollout of vaccinations, COVID-19 outbreaks have decreased significantly.

However, for many residents, the day-to-day isolation has remained the same.

“The impact in terms of quality of life — and that effects your mental well-being, your physical well-being — has been enormous,” Lake said. “To be able to resume some level of normalcy in long-term care and assisted living is going to make a huge difference to the quality of life and the physical and mental well-being of folks in care.”

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Lake hopes to see a mandatory vaccination program for workers in long-term care or the implementation of mandatory rapid testing to prevent any future outbreaks.

When more visitors are permitted at these facilities on April 1, Lake says people may be surprised by some of the changes they see in their loved ones.

“Physically, mentally, we’ve seen deterioration,” he said. “We’re going to be putting on a webinar to help families adjust or be prepared for what they may see in their loved ones in care, because they may see dramatic changes from when they last visited.”