Our elderly have been some of the hardest-hit people in the community by COVID-19. This group in our population has not only found the virus deadly, but it has also isolated them from the rest of society. Isolation is necessary in one direction in order to our beloved elder from the deadly symptoms of SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 and ultimately plunged us into the current global pandemic. While this decision has saved those people over the age of 75 from the virus it came with other consequences. We are separated from our parents and grandparents. The pandemic made so we could only visit through the windows and over electronic devices. This did not stop the outbreaks from happenings. Health Officials began placing other restrictions on the long-term care homes in order to our elders safe from disease. The restrictions also made it easier to trace sources and contact that would bring the virus into the homes that provide care to them. For those who suffer from dementia symptoms worse because of the interruptions in routine. As the infection curve dropped and we realized the importance of social distancing. Now, there are limitations visits allowed inside the homes, but still, there is worry around how are my loved ones really being cared for.
The Provincial Government has developed a survey to study this problem. How are the elderly really doing? The question would that an investigation might fit the situation better and turn up more answers than it would question. Isobel Mackenzie thought this to be the best path based on reports crossing her desk.
“Every day my office hears directly from family members and some residents about how they are struggling,” Mackenzie said, adding the survey is to allow people “to tell us what their life was like before the pandemic hit, what it was like after and what it is like now.”
She has made it as easy as possible to take part in the campaign to gather feedback from seniors and the families who have loved ones in care. It is in multiple languages and you can give your story via the internet or go as far to schedule an operator to call you back so they can collect statements. The hope is to get enough feedback to improve service and level of care. They are even promising to able to offer more answer to families and improve communication.
The 2020 survey is available online at www.carehomevisits.ca and the link will be shared with staff who can help residents complete it, either online or as a printout. Residents or family members can also call 1-877-952-3181 to have a copy mailed to them, or to complete the survey over the phone with a volunteer.
Listen to “BC Survey on Care Home Visits August 28 2020” on Spreaker.
