Rights versus Risks: The Impact of Isolation on Residents and Families in Long-Term Care.

Abstract

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario government created directives for long-term care (LTC) homes. As a result, residents were isolated in their rooms and visitors were banned. This commentary examines these practices and their impact on LTC residents and their families. A review of relevant documents showed the practices were unnecessary and physically and psychologically detrimental. Moving forward, family should be recognized as essential members of residents' care teams and allowed in LTC homes during outbreaks. This would entail providing them with the necessary protective equipment and adequate training to ensure infection prevention protocols are maintained.