COVID policies getting blamed
It appears COVID-19 isolation rules can be blamed for increased antidepressant use in long-term care homes.
New research shows seniors in homes are three times more likely to take antidepressants than those not in a home, especially over the last 5 years. A Canadian Institute for Health Information report says it found antidepressant use increased from 62% in 2019 to 65 per cent in 2021. Researchers analyzed data on drug prescription claims in all provinces and Yukon.
Tracey Fisher, manager of pharmaceuticals at the organization, says seniors in a home were more affected by COVID policies as they were away from family.
Meanwhile, you don't have to wear a mask if you're visiting someone while in their room.
The province has eased that COVID-19 restriction, but a mask still must be worn outside a room. The government says the change was made as residents missed seeing the faces of their loved ones.
Also, visitors and caregivers don't have to go through COVID-19 screening, and instead will be asked to self screen for symptoms.
Residents returning from short term absences won't have to test for COVID-19 unless they have symptoms or fail an active screening.
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