A Burnaby-based organization is trying to sign people up for an easy-to-access orientation so they can become “COVID-competent.”
SafeCare BC says the program is aimed at families and friends who want to visit loved ones in care.
In response to changes announced last month by the Provincial Health Officer on visitation in long-term care and assisted living, SafeCare BC, in collaboration with Family Caregivers of British Columbia, has developed an online COVID-19 orientation.
The goal is to address concerns of safety for residents and workers, with family and friends taking the training, printing off a record of completion and then completing a site-specific safety orientation at the care home or assisted living residence.
“We are grateful for Family Caregivers of British Columbia’s partnership, so we can offer free access to the first 5,000 users, and we are calling on other organizations to help support this program financially,” said Jen Lyle, CEO, SafeCare BC, in a news release. “Everyone recognizes the vital role family members and loved ones play in the well-being of our seniors living in care, and to do so in a way that keeps seniors and staff working in the sector is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
SafeCareBC is now looking for organizations who want to partner on the program to offer it free for even more people. Family Caregivers of British Columbia has committed $30,000.
“Through this partnership we are able to address a number of needs and issues, quickly bringing skills and confidence to family and friend caregivers and offering enhanced safety measures to care settings,” said Barb MacLean, executive director, Family Caregivers of BC. “Collaborating with SafeCare BC has allowed us to meet an identified need without re-creating the wheel, and together we are moving ahead to support families as essential partners in care.”
To enroll in the COVID-19: Social Visitation Essentials orientation, individuals can create their account at safecarebclearningspace.ca. The orientation will take no longer than an hour to complete.
