Amid new standards, do you have a loved one in long-term care? Share your story

The Health Standards Organization (HSO), a non-profit group based in Ottawa, released updated guidelines on providing long-term care services in Canada on Tuesday.

The new standards were published in collaboration with the CSA Group, formerly known as the Canadian Standards Association, and state that residents should receive at least four hours of direct, hands-on care each day. This includes assistance with personal care needs, such as eating and bathing.

The updated recommendations come after numerous deaths were reported in long-term care facilities across the country due to COVID-19 outbreaks. In some provinces, long-term care homes are already required to meet the HSO’s standards, while facilities in other regions can seek accreditation voluntarily.

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If you or a loved one are living in long-term care, or you work at a facility, we want to hear from you.

Since the pandemic began, what has living in long-term care been like? Have you or a loved one contracted COVID-19 while living in long-term care? What are your thoughts on the new standards?

Share your story by emailing us at [e-mail] with your name and location. Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.

With files from The Canadian Press