Loneliness and loss: Burnaby seniors not alone in COVID's isolation crisis

Story written by: Dustin Godfrey, Burnaby Now. Image: Getty Image. 

Isobel Mackenzie lets out a long sigh.

The B.C. seniors advocate has paused in the middle of reading a NOW story about the last days of Anna Patano and Robert Pitman – two seniors who died at Burnaby care homes this year after spending many of their last days cut off from their loved ones because of COVID-19 visitor restrictions.

Patano’s daughter spent her last moments with her 91-year-old mother in a surgical gown, face shield, gloves and mask.

Pitman’s daughter couldn’t stand the idea her 93-year-old father might not recognize her during his last hours... read more on Burnaby Now.