According to the patient advocacy group, this led to a difficult situation for family members as well as those living in nursing homes. This is why the group is demanding the creation of clear guidelines. The administration of the health care sector should – as is already the case in hospitals – state clearly how visits are to be conducted and what is or is not allowed. The statement of the association is addressed to Minister of Family Affairs, Corinne Cahen, and Minister of Health, Paulette Lenert.
In their statement, the group explains that people had contacted them because visits to nursing or care homes were in part still sporadic or even impossible. Many also complained about the way some nursing homes organised their visits, with requirements being described as too harsh or cumbersome.
Some places for instance require visitors to schedule their visit long in advance, while other facilities require a member of staff to be present during the entire duration of the visit. According to the statement, this makes it impossible to speak about private matters and leads to people feeling like they were in prison. Some nursing home inhabitants are allegedly even so distressed by the harsh requirements that they would prefer to receive no visitors at all.
The patient advocacy group also demands the creation of a task force which could then support and guide nursing homes.
