Covid-19 weekly update as of May 25th, 2020

Sometimes I wonder how accidental Covid-19 was. The expression “walk a mile in my shoes” comes to mind. Since we have been limited in our interactions with people (physical distancing), going places (essential travel only), and accessing goods and services because of the pandemic, I wonder if anyone else has seen the parallel journey that we are making to those living in seniors’ homes.

Not going to work, getting out to visit, doing some shopping, and feeling bored with being at home all the time can be challenging for many. Have we given thought to this experience as being similar to seniors who live day in and day out in a Long Term Care Home or in assisted living in a Retirement Home—and who have been living this way well before the pandemic? Is it  possible that they, too, feel stifled by not getting out to visit others, shop a bit, or have some purpose where they live? Most of our parents were products of the Great Depression and appreciate the simple things in life like family, friends, and a purpose in managing their homes, and maybe even gardening.

This weekend, Susan Delacourt of the Toronto Star published some statistics from a survey taken by  Earnscliffe Insights. Of the 2,000 individuals surveyed, 75% support stricter health measures in the workplace. I assume that they  are referring to Long Term Care and Retirement Homes where 73% of all Covid-19 deaths have occurred. I challenge people to question stricter health measures. Instead, I would like to see all seniors’ homes have Family Members be part of their Boards of Directors to help guide these homes, and our provincial health care. Had families been as vocal as they are now in the homes their parents are living in before the coronavirus pandemic, we might have avoided the high death rate. I wonder if it is time for families to have representation in the running of these homes.

Memory Lane Home Living Inc. honors this initiative as we manage a cooperative housing model that puts the voice of the family first. Who better to provide input than family members who know their loved ones best?

Mona