Falling Through the Cracks: Long-Term Care and COVID-19

COVID-19 has overwhelmed long-term care (LTC) facilities across the country, leaving Canadian’s shocked by the devastation. LTC facilities account for nearly 11% of COVID-19 cases in Canada and over 70% of total deaths. While the largest proportion of cases in Canada are among those 20-29, nearly 97% of deaths have been among Canadians over the age of 60.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed long-standing deficiencies and challenges in the delivery of long-term care in Canada. Many stakeholders are calling for national standards, but there are questions about the best approach. Should we amend the Canada Health Act to include LTC or develop new legislation? Long standing staffing challenges will also need to be addressed, such as equitable and permanent pay and benefits for care aides, mental health supports for all staff; and improved and required data collection. A coordinated approach between Federal and Provincial/Territorial Governments will be necessary.
The panel includes:
-Pauline Dakin (moderator) - Associate Director of Journalism, University of King's College
-Dr. Janice Keefe - Professor and Chair of Family Studies/Gerontology and Director of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Mount Saint Vincet University
-Dr. Kenneth Rockwood - Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Neurology, Dalhousie University and Staff Physician, QEII Health Sciences Centre
-Dr. David Sabapathy - Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Prince Edward Island