Sask. has stopped trying to control COVID-19. What does that mean for seniors?

Saskatchewan seniors shouldn't be isolated any longer because of COVID-19, according to advocates for the older population. 

The government has stopped trying to control the spread of COVID-19 in the community and lifted nearly all restrictions in the province. But seniors living in care facilities still face potential lockdowns. 

Seniors' advocates say this isn't fair. 

"The isolation and loneliness has truly been the hardest part for residents," said Kathleen Spatt, who is president for Saskatchewan's chapter of the Canadian Association for Retired Persons. Seniors are most vulnerable to the virus and have faced lockdowns where they couldn't see their loved ones for weeks at a time because of COVID-19 outbreaks.  

This remains true, even though people in the rest of the province can technically move freely. There have been 71 outbreaks in long-term care facilities and 44 in personal care homes during the last six weeks, according to government data. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is continuing to use a levelled system of Family Presence and Visitor Restrictions — meaning seniors will still face restrictions. 

Spatt said seniors should be protected through rapid testing and mandatory masking. She's disappointed the proof-of-vaccination policy in SHA facilities was halted, but said regardless of that, seniors want to move forward. 

"They're anxious if they're fearful, but they're also looking forward to and hopeful of getting more freedoms." 

Shan Landry has heard the same message from seniors. She wants policy put in place so that long-term care facilities can no longer restrict family presence. 

"We need to ensure that we never again have the instance where — no matter what the infection is — that we separate older people from the people who love them," said Landry, who is vice president of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism and a member of the Saskatchewan Long-Term Care Network.

"There have been older adults who have been isolated in long-term care for days and weeks on end because of outbreaks who have said quite sincerely, if I could make a choice of having my life shortened but being able to see my grandchildren, I would make that choice."

Landry isn't downplaying the severity of the virus for seniors.

As of Feb. 16, there have been 190 deaths among residents in Saskatchewan's long-term care facilities. The province has had 1,012 deaths total. 

Landry said there have also been consequences from keeping loved ones away from seniors, from malnutrition to depression to worsening dementia. She said family visitors are key in supporting seniors and staff.

Staff "do not have enough time built in for them to attend to some of the smaller, personal things that can make a huge difference." For example, Landry would help her mom pick out an outfit and wheeled her around to socialize.