In exceptional circumstances, family members are allowed to visit loved ones in long-term care homes, but only with permission from the medical health officer.
Dr. Meena Dawar, Richmond’s medical health officer, pointed out in cases where a care home resident’s well-being is being “significantly impacted” family members can apply for a “compassionate exemption,” with the support of those running the facility.
Otherwise, outdoor visitations are permitted if the care home resident is able to get outside him or herself, Dawar clarified.
Richmond Centre MLA Teresa Wat raised the question at Tuesday’s Richmond COVID-19 Community Task Force, pointing out Toronto is now allowing visitations once a week.
“Many seniors really suffer - they might not pass away because of COVID-19 (but) they might pass away because of isolation and thinking their loved ones are deserting them and not coming to visit them,” Wat said. “For the mental health of the seniors, I’m hoping that we can think about a more creative way of how to let loved ones to visit the seniors at the senior home.”
Dawar replied to Wat that it’s a topic that’s been on the minds of the health authority for many weeks.
“It is absolutely important, while we protect seniors and facilities from COVID, we have to ensure their other needs are met including joy and love and personal care that only family members can provide,” she said.
The province will decide on a strategy when it’s safe to open long-term care homes, Dawar said, adding this might not be a province-wide order but could be based on local epidemiology.
The long-term care home operator must apply to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) for the compassionate exemption.
The health order governing long-term care homes also requires a safety plan be in place to manage any risks.
