Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky thinks it is time for the province to recognize that not all visitors to the province's long-term care, retirement, and group homes are equal.
Gretzky plans to table a motion in the Ontario Legislature to implement a COVID-19 Essential Caregiver Strategy that recognizes essential caregivers are more than just visitors. It would give residents in those facilities the right to fully access their caregivers and support people while giving congregate settings the resources to implement access safely.
"The stories I have heard from families during this pandemic are heartbreaking," said Gretzky during a news conference Monday morning. "They've told me that the limited access to their loved ones through phone calls or window visits has been painful, and for some, simply not feasible. It's been four months, and some haven't been able to see their loved ones at all."
Pamela Libralsesso and Susan Mills joined her. Both women have been denied meaningful access to their family members during the pandemic. Libralesso has not seen her 14-year-old son who lives in a group home for over four months.
Gretzky's motion states future policies regarding those considered essential caregivers should be made in consultation with residents, patients, families, experts, and staff at congregate facilities.
"Essential caregivers are family members and support persons who perform a crucial role as partners in care and support," explained Gretzky. "The Ford government has created visitation policies that exclude them, and are confusing, inconsistent, and in reality, difficult to roll out."
She blamed the confusion on the lack of input from residents, families, experts, and staff.
Detailed plans have come from the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, and the National Institute for Aging.
"As we prepare for a potential second wave, Premier Doug Ford can no longer ignore or overlook the health and happiness of residents of congregate care settings, and their rights to have access to their essential caregivers," Gretzky said. "The time to act is now."