Content item
Family members of residents in St. Joseph’s Lifecare Center are raising concern after getting a notice this week that “essential caregivers” may be called on to do more in case of staff shortages.
Content item
“Is this the plan?” asked one family member. “This doesn’t seem like an acceptable way to manage care moving forward.
“If a hospital issued this to patient’s families, everybody would be up in arms but, because it’s longterm care and seniors, it’s OK?”
The notice, dated Jan. 19, says the Brantford long-term care home has developed a contingency staffing plan as part of its emergency preparedness plan to address staffing shortages due to increasing COVID-19 cases.
“In addition to deploying administrative staff to new temporary roles during a staffing emergency, we will also be calling on essential caregivers to provide additional support to their love one, to assist at mealtimes, to porter, provide basic personal care, as well as social and mental wellness support.”
The family member, who provided the notice to The Expositor, said she and other relatives already are rotating visits through the week to care for their loved one.
She said staff are working at full capacity.
A COVID outbreak declared at St. Joseph’s on Dec. 26 involves two residents and three staff members, according to the Brant County Health Unit.
During earlier COVID waves, many family members were barred from entering long-term care homes, particularly during outbreaks.
“It’s definitely better to allow essential caregivers to go in ,” said the family member.
“But, in the meantime, the level of care has declined during COVID. It’s not what it was a year and a half ago.”
Content item
Another woman, who visits a relative in St. Joe’s daily for several hours, said she worries the current outbreak at the home likely will grow as test results are received.
“This will be catastrophic,” she said. “They need rapid response help now.
“This is not sustainable or healthy for anyone. These are very special humans that work in long-term care and many sacrifice their personal lives to work doubles (shifts), only to be called in on their only day off for another double.”
David Wormald, president of St. Joe’s, said the notice was sent to assure families that a plan is in place in case of a crisis.
“St. Joseph’s Lifecare has taken a proactive approach,” Wormald said in an email to The Expositor
He said any resident without a family caregiver, or whose caregiver can’t be at the home, should be assured that their needs will be met.
With 205 beds and about 300 workers, the centre’s staffing levels are reviewed daily, he said.
Wormald said the role of essential visitors has been set out by the Ministry of Long-Term Care as someone who provides direct physical, social and emotional support which could include bathing, dressing, and eating assistance.
“Everyone is tired and weary from this long-haul battle against COVID-19,” he said.
“Staff and families have worked together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. My sincerest gratitude to our St. Joseph’s Lifecare Center team and resident families who continue to do everything they can to support the health and safety of residents.”
@EXPSGamble