By keeping families out of long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in the interest of preventing the spread of the disease, the quality of life for many older adults has been seriously jeopardized, writes Jordan Grimsley.
This column is an opinion by Jordan Grimsley, who is studying social work at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick. For more information about CBC’s Opinion section, please see the FAQ.
In recent weeks, many people have asked what we should do with long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilities have closed themselves off from the public to ensure that residents are able to self-isolate and practice physical distancing. While this approach has undoubtedly protected older adults, it has come with its own costs.
My grandmother, Fern, currently resides in a long-term care facility in rural eastern Ontario. She is living with Alzheimer’s, and often doesn’t remember me when I visit. It breaks my heart knowing she doesn’t recognize her grandson. As sad as visiting my grandmother can be, there is always a moment where everything feels all right.
It happens when we find time to sing her favourite songs, tell her favourite jokes (she likes the bawdy kind, so I won’t repeat them), and when we hold her hand and enjoy each other’s company. She might not recognize her family, but these visits are among her most peaceful times.
Sadly, my grandma hasn’t had a peaceful time in months. She hasn’t held her grandchildren’s hands or had her hair brushed out of her face by her daughter. My grandmother’s residence has remained untouched by COVID-19. However, to say that she has not been impacted by the pandemic would be grossly misleading. COVID-19 has robbed my grandma of the most precious thing in this w