In the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, long-term care homes and retirement homes were disproportionately hit, particularly in terms of deaths. We all saw those harrowing reports about old people languishing in their own feces as support staff were overwhelmed and sickened. Various investigations and inquests were promised, and many were begun, as doctors warned of an impending second wave of the virus.
Well, the second wave came, and LTC and retirement homes again bore the brunt of infections and deaths. Figures are hard to come by, but there seem to have been been more outbreaks and deaths in senior's homes than during the first wave.
Now, the healthcare professionals are talking about a third wave (before the second is even finished), and we are still no further forward on improving staffing and regulations in long-term care homes. We know how this is going to play out (and, with the spread of various variants of concern, this one may be even worse, vaccinations notwithstanding).
So, it comes as a double slap in the face that an investigation into the Herron group of nursing homes in Quebec has been suspended. A probe into the Residences Herron in Dorval, Quebec, was due to start next week, but now it has been delayed until September(!) It was argued that, if investigators did not agree to a delay, the company would just launch a legal challenge that could delay it even longer. What a ridiculous situation!
It seems like the investigations have no teeth and take forever. Meanwhile, more seniors are likely to die senseless and preventable deaths. Crazy!
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