Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, revealed late Friday there have been four more deaths related to COVID-19 at the McKenzie Towne Long Term Care Home in Calgary.
That brings the total of confirmed cases at that facility to eight.
Brother and sister Gwen and Frank Rousseau are pleading for more staff to support the overwhelmed front-line staff.
Their 73-year-old mom Doris, is a resident of the continuing care home.
The siblings are grateful for the staff who are working tirelessly, but they’re desperate for more.
“I’m terrified for all residents there. I know many of them and all the staff, they are wonderful, this should have never happened,” Gwen said.
“No matter how many wonderful people you have, there’s never enough, there’s never been enough.”
“Not being able to see my mom and just frustrated with everything, there’s not enough help in there, they need help,” Frank said, choking back tears.
Speaking to staff, Gwen said they are emotionally and physically exhausted.
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“The nurse is pleading with me that the situation is really bad in there. You can hear in their voices when you call,” Gwen said. “They do not have enough people to keep up with protocols.”
“They are in dire straits and stretched so thin. They are doing everything they can.”
Gwen said she tries daily to reassure her mom but she can sense her worry.
“How long can I keep her safe on the outside?” Gwen said.
The siblings are bracing for the spread to continue, expecting more positive cases, but they aren’t ready to prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario.
“That I’m not gonna see my mom no more,” Frank said.
“I haven’t been able to visit since March the 9th. It’s so hard,” Gwen said.
Revera’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Rhonda Collins, said staff are working hard.
Volunteers at McKenzie Towne Church are carefully sanitizing and creating care packages for the staff at McKenzie Towne.
Stephanie Burns works at the church and is helping with packaging and deliveries.
“We want the staff putting themselves in arms risk for contracting the virus to know they are thought of and encouraged and their efforts are truly appreciated beyond the care centre,” Burns said.
There were enough community donations to make almost 250. The leftover compassion kits will be given to other care home workers.