Some long-term care homes in Ontario are now asking families and friends of residents who are already helping out, to do more.

The Revera Burloak long-term care home in Burlington sent a letter to families saying they are in an outbreak and the situation could become more troubling in the weeks ahead as staffing shortages magnify.

They said visiting will positively impact loved ones and can help alleviate the present demands felt by staff. The home suggests that caregivers visit the residents in their room, help them at mealtime, brush their hair and teeth and help them with washing and shaving.

One long-term care home in London is even going as far as asking families of residents if they want to be employees.

David Wormald, President of St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre in Brantford, says they are constantly trying to ensure they have enough support for residents. “It might be through redeployment activities. It could be asking staff to pick up extra shifts. We have utilized staffing agencies and we are recruiting staff.”

St. Joseph’s says it isn’t dealing with staffing shortages right now but believes it will be likely in the near future. At that point, they will be asking for additional support from caregivers over the next few weeks. “The pandemic has reinforced the importance that our essential caregivers play in the role of the daily life of our residents,” said Wormald.

Right now more than 57 per cent of long term care homes in Ontario are in an outbreak. Between 20 and 30 per cent of staff are either sick with COVID-19 or isolating.

One woman who emailed CHCH News said the long-term care home where her mother stays is so short-staffed, she worries her mom would have ended up in hospital if she wasn’t there to help.