Family Matters
The COVID-19 pandemic clearly illustrates the dangers of congregate housing for vulnerable populations. However, many people with a disability in Canada do not have access to inclusive affordable housing and support options they require and often find themselves in a group home or residential care settings.
In response to this difficult situation for individuals and families, CACL released a summary scan of the visitation policies in different residential care settings across the country. The policies consistently deprive people with a disability access to essential support provided by family and staff alike.
In a recent blog post, Director of the Health Care Access and Development Disabilities Program at CAMH, Yona Lunsky, discusses the need to develop a national approach to visitation that is flexible, compassionate and considers the needs of people living in residential care settings.