Forest Heights worker makes plea for community support

When the pandemic was in its early stages, few workers at long term care homes suspected that it would bring Ontario’s long-term care system to the breaking point.

It’s been especially difficult at Forest Heights Revera in Kitchener, a home that’s led the region’s case count in staff and residents so far.

A healthcare worker at Forest Heights reached out to 570 NEWS about their experience and wished to remain anonymous. For the purpose of this article, they will be referred to as “Sam.”

“We were kind of hoping it would bypass us,” Sam said in an interview. “I guess we were really trying hard to even prevent it from getting in the building. Mainly, it reminded us of SARS. You heard everything about it, but it didn’t really hit hard here. I guess we kind of had that same mind set, and unfortunately it [COVID-19] did come here and really blew us apart.”

At first, staff took it a day at a time, still sticking to their routines of using gloves and keeping their hands washed, but there was no public recommendation to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical or N95 masks.

“We started to see more issues coming out in the news. We started to watch more of our residents, we started to see a lot of the same symptoms, and that’s what made us realize, ‘Okay, we need to start upping our PPE a little bit more, upping how we clean things a little bit more.’ Unfortunately, by that time, because we had just started to see the similarities, some of these people had already had the infection, and we didn’t know because there wasn’t testing available for our facility at that time.”

That changed when expanded testing was announced by the province, at which point Public Health proactively tested all residents and staff at the home. That led to a spike in cases that put Forest Heights at the forefront of Waterloo Region’s long-term care home outbreaks.

As the pandemic has continued, the good character of people in Waterloo Region has shone through the darkness, making many charitable donations to hospitals, nurses and more.

While not trying to diminish those deeds or the work of hospital staff, Sam explained that few of those charitable donations have come to the doors of Forest Heights, which they say can be demoralizing.

“Our staff, especially at Forest Heights, aren’t receiving anything. We kind of are the ones who have the highest rate in the region, and that’s all we’re known for. We’re not known for how hard the staff is working to prevent any further COVID infections, let alone the fact we’re trying to prevent them from going to hospital. So, right there, that alone is a major weight on people’s shoulders. To not receive that kind of public support from other people, that takes a toll on you, no matter how hard you try.”

Sam claims that no PPE has been donated as has been the case at some local hospitals. Sam also said they’ve had some acknowledgement from families of residents, past and present, who have come and honked car horns in support.

“Believe me, it brought tears to our eyes knowing that someone out there knows what we’re going through. It’s just that it’s not as much as the hospitals get. Don’t get me wrong, I know the hospitals are working hard as well, but it’s nice for us to also see it.”

While the latest show of support for Forest Heights wasn’t charity, it was certainly more than welcome. Sam said that Public Health’s endeavor to move 40 residents out of the home was a relief, even though they want to keep residents in their home.

As a final word, Sam made a heartfelt plea to the community on behalf of their coworkers.

“Show support to Forest Heights. They deserve it, they’re working so hard. Whatever you can do, whether it’s PPE, whether it’s a shoutout of love, whether it’s food donations, anything. Show them that they matter, because they’re working so hard to keep your families out of those hospitals. The worst place you want to be, really, is a hospital. They would rather be in their homes where they can be cared for, and, you know, Forest Heights is their home.”

After this story was published, Paul Lander, who's mother is a resident at Forest Heights, sent the following letter to 570 NEWS:

Dear Dr.'s, Nurses, PSW's and Staff at Forest Heights LTC,

Thank you for the courage that keeps you going into work everyday. Thank you for putting your residents needs above your own in this difficult time. Thank you for being there with our loved ones when we can't. Thank you to your families who are worried about your health and safety. Thank you for your kindness and compassion towards all the families affected. You are incredible people and we are beyond grateful for all that you do for our community.

With Love & Respect,

the Lander Family