Safely Re-entering Long-Term Care Homes During COVID-19: A Resource for Essential Care Partners

This resource was created by essential care partners, for essential care partners who have loved ones in long-term care homes during COVID-19.

An essential care partner is a person who provides physical, psychological and emotional support, as deemed important by the patient or resident. This care can include support in decision making, care coordination and continuity of care. Essential care partners can include family members, close friends or other caregivers and are identified by the patient or resident or substitute decision maker.

Essential care partners are different to general visitors; they have a vital role in a resident’s care plan, including during the pandemic.

This resource provides foundational information for those who have loved ones in long-term care during the pandemic. This includes:

• What are the roles and responsibilities of essential care partners?
• How to navigate caregiving together
• The current state of LTC homes
• The current provincial and territorial directives

This resource builds on the LTC+ Acting on Pandemic Learning Together program. It has been shared with more than 1,500 long-term care and retirement homes participating in the program.

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Long-term care homes can also personalize this resource with contact details so essential care partners are supported to be able to easily reach out to the relevant care team contact.