Finding the Right Balance: An Evidence-Informed Guidance Document to Support the Re-Opening of Canadian Long-Term Care Homes to Family Caregivers and Visitors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Long-term care (LTC) or nursing homes have experienced the worst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Canada, with residents of these homes accounting for approximately 80% of Canadian COVID-19 deaths. In reviewing the literature, consulting with national and international experts, and hearing from both residents, and their family caregivers and visitors through various forums, we have identified six core principles and planning assumptions as foundational and fundamental to any current and future guidelines. These recommendations focus on family caregivers and general visitors rather than essential support workers and LTC home staff, and are made with the acknowledgement that the approach to visiting may need to be dynamic based on the community prevalence of COVID-19.
