Concerned about risks in assisted living

Dear Editor:

I am a senior living in assisted living. I am struggling to find a contact person that can help me to resolve, what I believe to be, a very serious health and safety risk.

Most residents here care and respect each other enough that during this pandemic they abide by the wearing of masks and keeping distance. Unfortunately, there are a few that choose to ignore all precautions and place myself and others at risk.

These persons have chosen to ignore staying away from groups outside of our premises and scooter to the malls and grocery shop and then return, still ignoring the use of masks and distance.

My fear is they are not only gambling with their life, as well as everyone else’s, with an unseen, undetectable virus that can take a life.

My concerns are that myself, as well as quite a number of residents here, are immune compromised. I am following all guidelines, but now only come out of my room just to eat and even then, it’s not safe. I witness and have listened while staff continually remind others to put the mask on, keep a distance and don't congregate, but to no avail.

I have considered the idea that possibly they just can't comprehend their actions, but if that were the case, they wouldn’t be living here. In assisted living, you have to demonstrate that you can direct your own care and that includes demonstrating safe behaviours for self and toward others.

In this case, I have to ask why they are allowed to live here. They are placing me, other tenants and all of our staff at risk. This is not cool with me.

It will only take one death here and it will be too late. We’ll all be in for the fight of our lives.

I love the people here, all the staff here and management. We all work so hard together to keep our staff and our neighbours safe, but this has gone far beyond now.

I need help.

Heather Byard

Penticton