Photo: castanets file photo
UPDATE: 3pm
An employee who works at David Lloyd Jones Home said workers were frustrated with the scorching temperatures at the facility.
She wanted to remain anonymous, but told Castanet News that to this day, employees were not allowed to take their water bottles with them on their rounds and only had to drink in designated areas due to COVID-19 protocols. She also said that they still have to work with masks and goggles. You are exhausted, sweaty, dehydrated and sometimes feel dizzy.
She added that if the staff cannot take care of themselves first, they cannot take care of the residents either.
ORIGINAL: 11:57 a.m.
The elderly are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat, and in a Kelowna nursing home, their options for staying cool are limited.
The manager of David Lloyd Jones Home on Bernard Avenue said there was air conditioning only in the hallways and common areas of the facility. Anne Winters said it was an older building that was built in phases starting in the 1960s.
In order to keep the residents cool in their rooms, the doors of the hallways are left as open as possible, windows are closed and curtains are drawn. Staff are also instructed to ensure residents wear appropriate clothing in bed and only have sheets and no heavy blankets, Winters said.
They also have fans who will be circulating the air, and Winters said she was about to send an email to families saying that they would be happy to bring additional fans for their loved ones.
David Lloyd Jones Home is a long-term care facility operated by Interior Health that consists of three adjoining wings of 15, 19 and 30 rooms, respectively. The living spaces are on the ground floor with activity areas on both the ground floor and the basement. There is also an enclosed terrace with a garden area, two separate dining rooms and a TV room.
The dangerous heat wave is expected to last most of this week.
