Daughter of Rosslyn resident in palliative care prepares to say goodbye to dad

Virginia LeCouter's dad is saying his goodbyes from a hospital bed via video chat.

Lionel LeCouter, 85, is one of the 63 COVID-positive residents of Rosslyn Retirement Residence, a Hamilton retirement home evacuated Friday amid a mass outbreak and severe staffing shortage.

Lionel was already in hospital at the time of the evacuation, admitted to St. Joseph's Healthcare May 11 after experiencing shortness of breath and general weakness. On May 12, he tested positive for COVID-19. He's now receiving palliative care.

My heart tells me he'll be gone by Friday," said LeCouter, choking back tears.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, just one family member is allowed to visit her dad in hospital a day, she said. Her daughter suited up in personal protective equipment Wednesday to spend time with Lionel at his bedside. The two called LeCouter on video chat.

I said I love you,'" LeCouter said, noting her dad wasn't one to say it back. But this time he did. He said, I love you too.' I just started bawling."

LeCouter said her dad is receiving palliative care due to aspiration - food travelling into his lungs - not due to COVID-19 specifically. He had a number of health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), before contracting the virus.

LeCouter said she is upset at how bad the situation at the King Street East home became, and so fast. They could have given better care," she said of the Rosslyn. I'm really disappointed in them."

Hospital staff were brought into the home last week to help amid a staff shortage during the outbreak, which started May 10. But as far back as April 15, Hamilton public health was flagging issues at the home.

Public health's April inspection found the Rosslyn was inadequately prepared to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak. The home was issued an order, which public health says they compiled with. But a second inspection on May 12 found the home still unprepared for an outbreak and failing to implement proper infection prevention and control procedures.

Despite the difficult situation, LeCouter said her dad seems to be at peace.

LeCouter is proud to say her father has lived a long, full and independent life. He has five children, dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. When the family is eventually able to hold a memorial service for him, LeCouter expects the lineup of mourners to stretch around the block.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com