British Columbia's Seniors Advocate says restrictions around visits at long term and assisted living facilities have led to a seven per cent rise in the prescription of anti-psychotics and the doubling in the number of unexplained weight loss, depression and physical decline among residents of care homes.   Isobel Mackenzie's report concludes seniors would rather die from COVID-19 than from the loneliness they are experiencing from being separated from their families. Her report is based on a survey of 13,000 seniors who live in care homes and their families.  Currently, in BC, COVID-19 health orders limit the number of visitors to care homes to one and it must be the same person every time.  The Advocate's report notes many visits take place less than once a week, often outdoors or in common areas where loved ones may be separated by plexiglass barriers or windows.  In presenting her report and recommendations, Mackenzie quoted one example of the thousands of heartbreaking accounts she says she received about visiting restrictions that have led to a rapid declines and in some cases, the deaths of seniors in care.

Mackenzie recommends designating an essential visitor for every resident, and allowing regular visits in the residents' private rooms.  The Seniors Advocate says that would reduce the workload of paid staff because essential caregivers, usually spouses, would ensure the resident has their hair combed, their teeth brushed and their meals finished.  She also recommends allowing additional "social visitors" who would be immediate family members, like children. Many residents have not seen their children since the start of the pandemic because the only visitor allowed is the spouse.  And, Mackenzie is calling for the creation of a provincial group to give residents and their families input as stakeholders in the way care is delivered.

BC's Minister of Health has offered a lukewarm reception to the report.   Adrian Dix did not make himself available for comment, but his office issued a statement which reads, in part, "Protecting residents, while balancing the desire for connection, is an incredibly difficult balance that our health leaders wrestle with everyday. The Seniors Advocate recommendations help inform ongoing deliberations."   Isobel Mackenzie says her recommendations around essential visitors and private room visits can be implemented without further deliberation since they would not increase the risk of COVID-19 in seniors care homes and can be implemented without changes to existing health orders.