Friday, February 27, 2015
Perth District Health Unit
Long-Term Care Homes Hard Hit with Illness - A Reminder not to Visit when Sick
The residents of long-term care homes across Perth County are having a difficult winter. Between December 1, 2014, and February 26 of this year, there have been 20 outbreaks of both Norovirus (a gastrointestinal illness) and influenza A at long-term care homes; some homes have experienced an outbreak of both illnesses at the same time and more than one outbreak this season.
“Our citizens that live in long-term care homes are most often susceptible to complications and/or death from illnesses like influenza,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health. “We need to be very diligent about trying to keep their living environment free of illness.”
To help protect long-term care home residents, Dr. Klassen advises people not to visit when they are feeling sick. With gastro illnesses, it’s best to wait 48 hours after the last symptom of vomiting or diarrhea before going. People with respiratory symptoms should not visit until the symptoms have resolved.
Peter Bolland, Chairperson of the Perth County Facility Operators Group, knows that it is not easy for families to not visit their loved ones, however, when a home has an outbreak, it is extremely hard on both the residents and staff. Bolland explains, “Even with the best infection control practices, once a bug is in the building, it’s tough to stop the spread of illness. Residents get sick and are confined to their rooms, units are locked down to prevent co-mingling, group events are cancelled. Residents feel isolated and their quality of life is greatly affected. Outbreaks of influenza have also contributed to deaths amongst residents in long term care homes this winter.”
Outbreaks also deeply impact staff working in long-term care homes. Outbreaks leave facilities understaffed, which directly affects the residents they care for. In addition, infection control measures are put into place during an outbreak, which adds to the workload of the health care providers that are already understaffed. Says Bolland: “It’s a vicious circle of events, and it doesn’t need to happen as often as it does. The key is keeping the bugs out of the building in the first place. If visitors are not well, or if its’ flu season and they haven’t had their flu shot, then it’s best to visit another time.”
An outbreak is declared at a long-term care home once a certain number of residents within a floor/unit or facility develop respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. The home will post signs on the doors letting visitors know that there are ill residents. While the home doesn’t “close,” it does put rules in place about visitation - like limiting visitors to seeing only one resident and no group activities.
For more information:
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill
Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca
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