What’s more, in Québec, residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs) quickly became hotspots for the disease. As a result, many seniors found themselves isolated not only from the outside world, but from their friends and families too. That led to consequences of its own. Many people were needed to take care of residents and allow them to gradually return to normal life. Fortunately, everyone now seems to realize that there is hope, and that we absolutely need to avoid a second wave by protecting the seniors in CHSLDs.
What About THE SENIORS IN CHSLDS?
This pandemic has certainly been far-reaching. While the effects haven’t been the same everywhere, older people have always been at the highest risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19.
However, was it necessary to have so many deaths in order to decide to invest in caring for older people? Orderlies are now being honoured, a training program has been set up and many people have answered the call. Of course, this momentum needs to continue; those who invested in learning to care for seniors need to keep working in our CHSLDs. The government is providing an incentive for training new orderlies. Once confinement ends, we hope that this will lead to a collective change of consciousness and show everyone that we need to take care of our seniors, rather than becoming a simple cash grab. In the meantime, our seniors are still at risk. That’s why it’s critical to advocate for a social vaccine by raising awareness about the risks of exposure to the virus. By informing, educating, and communicating with people, we can all develop behavioural immunity. Matey Mandza, M.D., Ph. D., LL. M. Researcher (Drummondville CCEG) Vice-President of the Association québécoise de gérontologie (AQG)
DON’T STAY ALONE JOIN US!
Proud partner of Lobe
aqrp.ca
Why become an AQRP member? • Enjoy social and physical activities • Have access to conferences, training, web conferences, contests and blog • Benefit from a host of savings and advantages at Lobe, La Capitale insurances and many important partners (health, leisure, culture, travel, etc.)
1 800 653-2747 www.aqrp.ca
• Promote your rights and have access to a free telephone help service! AQRP members receive a 20%* discount on a complete hearing assessment performed by an audiologist practicing in a Lobe clinic. * Discount offered by Michèle Veilleux, audiologiste audiology services. Applicable only on a complete hearing assessment ($75 value) performed by an audiologist practicing in a Lobe clinic, excluding pediatric hearing assessments and other services. By appointment only. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Call 1 866 411-5623 to find the nearest Lobe clinic. Offer available until December 31, 2020. Some conditions apply.
24
LOBE.CA | © LOBE MAGAZINE 2020
