Long Term Care in Canada / Guest Dr. Margaret Cottle

A recent report issued by the Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that Canada has the ‘worst COVID-19’ record for long term care facilities in the world compared with other wealthy countries.

The same study found that deaths in nursing homes represented 69% of Canada’s overall COVID-19 deaths, significantly higher than the international rate of 41%. Outbreaks occurred in 2,500 care homes resulting in the deaths of 14,000+ residents according to the report. Compounded on all of this has been the the harsh realities of the painful impact of families being kept away from loved ones in long term care facilities — in some cases where the family members kept a close eye on their elderly loved ones quality of care, ensured they were eating and getting the social engagement they needed. Because lockdowns many families have not had to the ability to say their final goodbyes in person. All of this has been nothing short of heartbreaking for us to hear, watch and in many cases personally experience.

Over the last year many Canadians have found themselves afraid of the situation for their loved ones, upset by policies and protocols separating them from their loved ones for an extended period and asking good questions about where we go from here. As a matter of fact because of the pandemic 60% of Canadians say the pandemic has changed their perspectives on whether or not they would want to be in a long term care home, or have a loved one there.

100% of those surveyed over 65 said they preferred to age in their own homes as long as possible. With an aging population and long term care expenses expected to double by 2030 now is the time for Canadians to look closely, with compassion, on what is happening and plan for the future.

One person who has thought deeply about all this is Dr. Margaret Cottle. A senior herself, Dr. Cottle is also a doctor, a long term care practitioner and an assistant professor of Palliative Care at UBC. She joins me today to discuss this very important issue so without further delay, let's get to it.

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