COVID-19 - Progressive Deconfinement of Seniors: More Access for Caregivers

Here is a summary of the new measures.

Authorized Outings in Private Seniors’ Residences (PSR)

If your loved one lives in a private seniors’ residence, he or she can now go out without supervision to take a walk or go to essential commercial enterprises, starting today. However, this is only possible if there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their residence.

It is therefore possible for you to take a walk with your loved one! However, you will have to meet their outside and always respect a distance of at least 2 metres. Obviously, basic hygiene measures are always strongly recommended, such as washing hands before and after, and wearing a mask.

Caregivers Return to Various Establishments for Seniors

If you used to take care of your loved one in a PSR, a CHSLD, an intermediate resource or family-type resource, as of May 11, 2020, the establishments will no longer be able to deny you access without justifying it to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. As was already the case, situations may vary depending on your loved one’s residence and certain conditions must be met, but access should be easier for many caregivers.

Resumption of Palliative Care Visits

In order to allow you to support a loved one nearing the end of life, visits will once again be authorized for palliative care in living environments for seniors.

Conditions to Comply With at All Times

Regardless of your loved one’s residence, these basic rules must be observed:

• No suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the residence;
• Physical distance of at least 2 metres (about 6 feet) from other people who do not live under the same roof;
• Hand washing before and after an outing or a visit;
• Wearing a face covering in public places or when the distance of 2 metres cannot be respected. Wearing a face covering in public places must be accompanied by other protective measures.

To find out more about the new deconfinement measures for seniors, you will soon be able to consult the page dedicated to this subject on the Quebec government website.

Caregiver Support Is There for You

Despite these new measures, the difficult access to your loved one may result in different feelings for you, such as impatience, anger, worry or guilt. Although it is difficult, it is quite normal to experience these kinds of emotions in the current context. Also remember that, as for the rest of the population, deconfinement is carried out according to the different emotional and physical needs of your loved one, as well as the risks of contamination of their living environment.

If you need sympathetic ear during this potentially stressful situation, or if you need information on the new deconfinement measures, do not hesitate to contact the Caregiver Support.

Telephone: 1 855 852-7784

Email: info-aidant@lappui.org