Statement on long-term care reopening

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. welcomes the Provincial Health Officer’s announcement that the restrictions to visitation for long-term care and assisted living – which have been in effect in some form since the beginning of the pandemic – will be lifted on March 18, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. This announcement comes after rigorous public conversation led by advocates across the province who have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that these restrictions have had on the health and well-being of residents of long-term care, including many who are living with dementia, and their caregivers and families.

Throughout the pandemic, we have heard from the people we support about the challenges they have faced because of these restrictions. The isolation residents have experienced and the complicated, inconsistent processes that caregivers have navigated in hopes of gaining essential visitor status have been regular topics on calls to the First Link® Dementia Helpline and in our support groups. It has hit home the necessity for truly person-centred approaches to dementia care reflecting the essential role families play in supporting people living with the disease.

“The full reopening of long-term care means family members can be with the people they care for, can check on them and ensure their needs are being met,” says Jen Lyle, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “It means they can be there for the important moments in life – birthdays and anniversaries – and means that people can be reunited with their children and grandchildren again.”

In February, the Society launched a survey into the experiences of people affected by these restrictions, which received over 600 responses in a very short time. We hope the results of this survey will help inform long-term care policy going forward, to ensure future responses to situations like the pandemic more carefully and consistently balance the need for physical health and safety with the importance of people’s mental health and considers the importance of connection with the people in their life who support them.