Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 6

the next day. The CHSLD had a dedicated team for infection control going around the units to inform people if they are doing things correctly. Everyone was giving their best efforts to keep everyone safe.” The lockdown had an impact on the mental and overall health of many residents. “Because of the restrictions of visits and outings, many residents were suffering from loneliness and depression. It was incredibly sad to witness. Some people weren’t allowed outside their room because the staff were worried that they could infect other residents in the area. Some of them were rapidly deteriorating because they needed physiotherapy and exercise,” remembers Dr. Pollock. “I can think of one woman in particular who couldn’t get out of bed after she was allowed to leave her room, because her muscles had atrophied. It was really painful for her to be transferred into a wheelchair.” According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 1 more than 80% of COVID-19-related deaths in Canada occurred in an LTC facility. “Although I didn’t directly work with COVID-19 patients who passed away, sorting through their belongings and seeing so many empty beds on the floor made things tangible. You can see the impact of the pandemic for sure.” After many critical weeks, the staff are seeing the results of everyone’s hard work and dedication. With social distancing and increased infection protection measures put in place to contain the outbreak, Dr. Pollock saw a drastic improvement over the past couple of weeks. “I would say more than half of the facility is green today—residents either have recovered from COVID-19 or never contracted it. It’s getting much better.” Although Dr. Pollock was volunteering in a non-dental capacity, this experience made her realize that geriatric dental care could be improved in LTC homes. “Sadly, oral health was among the most neglected things that I saw while I was there.” The COVID-19 pandemic has ultimately exposed the strengths and weaknesses of Canada’s health care system. CDA recently reiterated the need of reinforced oral health standards in LTC facilities in its address to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Overall, this experience has been eye-opening for Dr. Pollock. “I reflected on it a lot. It makes me want to continue to be involved with LTC facilities when I go back to BC, either in my capacity as a dentist or simply as a volunteer to spend time with seniors, because they need a lot of attention and shouldn’t be left aside,” she says. “I want to tell people—especially from my generation—not to be shy and to get involved with the aging population because there are many beautiful interactions to be had and a lot of good to be done.” Because of the restrictions of visits and outings, many residents were suffering from loneliness and depression. It was incredibly sad to witness. Reference 1. CIHI Snapshot. Pandemic Experience in the Long-TermCare Sector: How Does Canada Compare with Other Countries? (June 2020). Available: cihi.ca/sites/default/files/document/ covid-19-rapid-response-long-term-care-snapshot-en. pdf?emktg_lang=en&emktg_order=1 I ssues and P eople 30 | 2020 | Issue 6