I am beyond frustrated with what is happening in the care homes everywhere… especially on Vancouver Island where there has not been any COVID 19 outbreaks in care homes and only one case on the Island since May 7, 2020.

Before COVID I was going often to spend time with my husband who suffers from Alzheimers and help with his care. As you know, there is a chronic staffing shortage in many care homes, where my husband is many times I noticed… no one, no aides, nurses, volunteers, or staff of any kind was on the floor for periods of time while there.

On March 16, 2020, I was cut off from seeing my husband and within a few weeks he started to get anxious and aggressive. Fortunately the medication is keeping him sedated and calm.

I was supportive of closing care homes for two cycles of COVID, but heading into 15 weeks with no signs of any plans for bringing us back together, I am no longer supportive!

Now, can someone please tell me how I would go about attaining “essential” status for my husband so that I can be a part of his care plan? It would help his mental health and well-being.

My husband is in God’s Waiting Room… I am missing out on the final days of his life. This is the most cruel and inhumane treatment of residents and families who are suffering from dementia related illnesses.

There has been enough time for health services to prepare for COVID treatments. We must learn how to live with this virus now, it is with mankind and we need to practice all the established protocols. It would also serve us well to support a strong immune system to fight the virus, I see very little proactive action or discussions in the media in this regard.

Needless to say, I want to know how to be designated as an essential part of my husband’s care.

I am waiting for a sign that someone is listening.

Dianna S.