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They’re exhausted, they’re emotional and they too put themselves in COVID-19’s path every day.
Funeral directors, embalmers and other death-care staff are feeling the effects of the pandemic, too.
Each year, the number of deaths in Saskatchewan tends to increase the closer we get to the holidays, says John Schachtel. He has been a funeral director for 30 years, and is currently the president of the Saskatchewan Funeral Service Association.
Exactly two months ago, the number of COVID-related deaths stood at 25 in Saskatchewan; on Nov. 15, it increased to 31.
As of Tuesday, 98 people have died — an increase of more than 300 per cent in just one month. Schachtel says it’s taking its toll on death-care staff as well.
Right now, family units are fractured, he says. If a loved one dies, often it’s only at a limited funeral or viewing when family members can say goodbye.
“They can’t see one another. They can’t be with one another,” he explains. “So when the death happens, who are the families most frustrated with? They’re going to be frustrated with the funeral director … because they didn’t get a chance to see their loved one when they died.
“They had to die alone.”
The stress of taking care of an increasing number of deceased people, but also trying to protect themselves from COVID, is wearing on staff. He questions what would happen if COVID were to spread throughout the funeral industry as well.
“We have to support one another in our funeral homes, so that we have each other’s backs,” Schachtel said. “That’s very important. The other fear is when do we see an end in sight of this?”
That’s why he’s hoping they too will be considered when the first phase of vaccinations roll out. Currently, there’s a shortage of qualified funeral directors and embalmers in the province.
“There’s not many of us, meaning that it’s not a chosen profession like it used to be,” he said. “It’s a very hard profession, and it’s hard in every aspect. (It’s hard) on your health, it’s hard on your emotions (and) it’s hard on the psychological part of you.”
He explains the funeral home “immune system” is just like anywhere else: If it becomes overwhelmed, he wonders who will care for the dead.
“We’re over a barrel,” Schachtel said. “We just can’t pull funeral directors in from out of the blue. They’re a rare commodity. That’s why I’m saying let’s get our staff vaccinated.”
