Changes to long-term care visitation

Beginning April 2021, long-term care homes across the province are easing visitation restrictions for the first time in over a year. This news comes as the province confirms more than 90 per cent of people in long-term care and staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is heartened to know countless families will finally be reunited and once more able to hold hands and hug during their in-person visits. It has been a very challenging year for people in long-term care, particularly for people who are also living with dementia. Long periods of social isolation have in many cases resulted in anxiety, loneliness and increasing symptoms.

If you are planning to visit someone living in long-term care, it's important to prepare yourself for changes you may notice in a person who is living with dementia. It might take a few moments for them to recognize you and some might not understand why it has been so long since your last visit. We encourage you to explore some of our resources such as the visitation guide and conversation starters to help you reconnect with someone at a level that suits their strengths and abilities.

What are the new guidelines?

All residents in long-term care homes and assisted living can now enjoy frequent, regular social visitation according to the new guidelines. Changes you can expect to see include:

• The single designated visitor restriction is no longer in place. Multiple family members and friends may visit someone living in a care home.
• Up to two visitors, plus a child, can visit a resident together, allowing for socialization in small groups.
• Visits can take place in residents’ rooms and will no longer be supervised by staff.
• Physical distancing and plexiglass will no longer be required.
• While visitors are still required to practice hand hygiene and wear masks, physical touch between residents and visitors – including hugs and hand holding – will be allowed.

All social visitation will be suspended immediately in the case of an outbreak.

Please note some protection measures are still in place and outbreak prevention remains a priority. As a visitor, you will still be required to:

• Book your visit in advance
• Wear a mask and respond to screening questions
• Wash your hands frequently throughout your visit.

Already visited?

We want to hear about your experience! If you are comfortable sharing how your first visit went - what surprised you or what concerned you - email us at advocacy@alzheimerbc.org, so we can learn about visitation across the province and respond to issues people affected by dementia are facing. 

The Society is here to support you. Anyone affected by dementia, personally or professionally, can call the First Link® Dementia Helpline for information, advice and support (toll-free):

• English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)