Fear is becoming reality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026\u2026 It already became! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a few hours before writing this blog, news flashed in and it was devastating and concerning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
122 out of 130 residents in an Ontario-based long-term care home have been tested positive for coronavirus.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most worrying part here is 6 samples tested positive for the new more contagious coronavirus variant.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spread was so rapid that 55 residents got the infection within just 48 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the government declaring a fresh outbreak in LTC homes every day, the struggle LTC staff members and residents are having is clearly visible now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many wondering – why Canadian long-term care homes have been unsuccessful to contain the virus since the first day of the pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, the Ontario Advisory Group has an answer to your question. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The province has appointed the Ontario Advisory Group of healthcare experts to guide the state government on the pandemic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The group recently said long-term care homes must improve working conditions and eliminate the scope of temporary staffing to save our seniors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the report, the group highlighted the rapid spread of the virus and high mortality rate in almost all long-term care facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They further stated that there is a clear link between the community outbreaks and long-term care outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This led them to the conclusion that staff members get the virus from the community and transmit it to residents.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why they concluded that temporary staffing is the risk factor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They further suggested extending a prohibition on three and four bedrooms beyond the end of this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few challenges LTC homes are facing are already known. Such as, <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are a few significant yet hidden challenges that are actually causing more damage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The impact of isolation on residents’ mental health is terrifying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Residents in their most vulnerable age are experiencing intense loneliness and deteriorating mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One factor causing awful mental health is the environment within the long-term care homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Authorities separate the facility into different zones or sections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They close the entire facility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And all have to isolate themselves for at least 8 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Residents can\u2019t even meet their family members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They see their helpless friends dying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine how it would feel like to live in such an environment! This obviously triggers several mental health issues in people of any age! <\/p>\n\n\n\n (It is not right to blame anyone here. Government, LTC homes, and healthcare workers are making strict decisions to only save lives.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n COVID-19 has affected the mental health of many Ontarians, including so many of our seniors.\u201cImprove working conditions in long-term care homes.\u201d – Ontario Advisory Group <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
How to improve the working conditions in long-term care homes? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To help, our government is investing over $12M to expand & create additional #MentalHealth<\/a> programs that support the mental health and well-being of Ontario\u2019s seniors. pic.twitter.com\/1lZHbwEPON<\/a><\/p>— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 21, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>