BC Seniors’ Advocate launches new COVID survey

Aug 26, 2020 | 4:35 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – BC’s Seniors’ Advocate has launched a new survey, looking at the impacts of visitation restrictions on those living in care.

Isobel Mackenzie says, while 125 seniors living in long-term care or assisted-living facilities, thousands have died from non-COVID related complications without the presence of loved ones. The survey is targetted at not only those living in care but their families.

And it is welcome by a long-time advocate of seniors in this community.

“We have an opportunity now, as a result of what has been devastating circumstances for many families, to make a difference,” says Shirley Bond, who is a member of the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Committee.

While Northern Health has had no outbreaks in care homes, seniors here have still been subjected to the visitation rules.

“Having a conversation about the future of long-term care, how do we best care for seniors and how do visiting restrictions impact the health and wellbeing of our seniors? And I think we’re going to see that there’s been a very significant impact on mental health and wellness.” And she encourages as many people as possible to take the survey, which will be available until mid-September with a report forthcoming in October.

You can access the survey online, or find ways to get the survey via other means, here.

Click here to report an error or typo in this article