Long-term care and COVID-19: The first 6 months

March 30, 2021 — The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Canada’s retirement homes and long-term care (LTC) homes. Our release takes a closer look at the impact of COVID-19 on LTC residents and staff during the first 6 months of the pandemic (known as Wave 1)Footnote i and provides early comparisons of outbreaks, cases and deaths between the first and second waves (to February 15, 2021).

Key findings

• COVID-19 cases among residents of LTC and retirement homes increased by nearly two-thirds during Wave 2 compared with Wave 1. 
• Compared with pre-pandemic years, in Wave 1, LTC residents had fewer physician visits; fewer hospital transfers; and less contact with friends and family, which is associated with higher rates of depression. 
• In all provinces where it could be measured, the total number of resident deaths was higher than normal during this period, even in places with fewer COVID-19 deaths.
• Provincial and national inquiries (to date) on COVID-19 in LTC have made similar recommendations and speak to long-standing concerns in the sector.