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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.