Whereas long term care services are for people who can no longer be cared for in their own homes or in an assisted living residence in a protective and supportive environment; And whereas the significant coronavirus death rate of long-term care residents is attributed to residing in facilities with shared roomsspaces, inadequate ventilation systems, limited access to isolation rooms, and limited supports for residents with dementia or complex cognitive and physical needs at the expense of their health safety, privacy and dignity in their end of life care: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Government of BC put a moratorium on the construction of new long term care facilities that do not offer single rooms build all new long term care facilities with single room options, which will support and care for residents to ensure that the spread of COVID-19, flu like viruses and other diseases are minimized; And be it further resolved that current long term care facilities be renovated to accommodate patient care in single rooms.
Ministry of Health Ministry of Health standards for the development of subsidized long-term care homes outlines the requirement for a private room and private bathroom for each resident, and the ability to provide 5 of the beds as suitable for a couple accommodation. Long-term care homes entering a redevelopment process are required to meet this standard. Long-term care homes entering a major renovation process are required to maximize the availability of private rooms and private bathrooms as part of the renovation process. Any long-term care homes currently in development will meet this standard. Ministry of Health reviews schematics and architectural drawings for new developments to ensure these and other design standards are met. As part of a long-term care renewal and expansion initiative, health authorities are developing business plans for their highest priority capital projects to replace facilities that do not meet the single bedroom and single bathroom standards and to increase the long-term care capacity in the province.