Families say visiting rules inconsistent, unfair in B.C. seniors' care facilities
B.C.'s restart plan is getting a failing grade from families with loved ones in long-term care.
Families complain visits are still severely restricted and access is inconsistent from one facility to the next.
“Booked appointments, limited time, we’re told frequency, duration and who we can take,” said a frustrated Jeanette Harper, whose mom is in a nursing home.
She said the province’s current reopening plan makes no mention of easing restrictions and she doesn’t understand why.
“I’ve had my two vaccines. My mother’s had her two vaccines. I have to wear a mask in her private room for every visit. My mom has alzheimer’s… I want her to see the smiling face of someone who loves her every day,” Harper said.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said she is aware that there is inconsistency in how the guidelines are being applied.
“We have been working with health authorities to make sure people do get at least the minimum from the guidelines that are in place,” she said when asked by CTV News about the issue.
But she said now is not the time to allow nursing facilities to open up further.
“We are not yet at a place where we have sufficient protection in our communities to expand from there but we will be. And we will be in the coming months as we move into the summer and we’re working on that as we speak.
Harper said she feels the concerns of families are being ignored.
“To tell us that they are working on it, that’s what we’ve been hearing all year,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.