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Bourbonnais A, Lachance G, Baumbusch J, Hsu A, Daneau S, Macaulay S. At the Epicentre of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada: Experiences and Recommendations of Family Care Partners of an Older Person Living in a Long-Term Care Home. Can J Aging 2024; 43:244-256. [PMID: 37771136 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of family care partners of older persons living in long-term care homes (LTCH) were severely disrupted during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Our aim was to describe their experiences and to solicit their recommendations for supportive actions. We conducted a critical ethnography with 24 care partners who cared or had cared for an older person living in an LTCH in Québec during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data during interviews and used Spradley's method to analyse them. Care partners experienced a forced separation from the older persons they cared for, which resulted in significant distress. Care, including post-mortem care, was considered inadequate and sometimes even inhumane. Communication was inconsistent, and this variability was also noted in visitation rules. Care partners perceived LTCHs as a neglected community. Supportive actions were recommended. The results illustrated the essential contribution of care partners, and the supportive actions they recommended must be a catalyst for change toward more humane care in LTCH settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bourbonnais
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Centre of the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Lachance
- Research Centre of the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amy Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Daneau
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Susan Macaulay
- Dementia care advocate and blogger, MyAlzheimersstory.com
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Conklin J, Dehcheshmeh MM, Archibald D, Elliott J, Hsu A, Kothari A, Stolee P, Sveistrup H. From Compliance to Care: Qualitative Findings from a Survey of Essential Caregivers in Ontario Long-Term Care Homes. Can J Aging 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38561989 DOI: 10.1017/s071498082400014x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the care provided by family members and close friends to older people living in long-term care (LTC) homes. Our implementation science team helped three Ontario LTC homes to implement an intervention to allow family members to enter the homes during pandemic lockdowns. OBJECTIVE We used a variety of methods to support the implementation, and this paper reports results from an Ontario-wide survey intended to help us understand the nature of the care provided by family caregivers. METHODS We administered a survey of essential caregivers in Ontario, and a single open-ended question yielded a substantial qualitative data set that we analysed with a coding and theming procedure that yielded 13 themes. FINDINGS The 13 themes reveal deficiencies in Ontario's LTC sector, attempts to cope with the deficiencies, and efforts to influence change and improvement. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that essential caregivers find it necessary to take on vital roles in order to shore up two significant gaps in the current system: they provide psychosocial and emotional (and sometimes even basic) care to residents, and they play a monitoring and advocacy role to compensate for the failings of the current regulatory compliance regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Conklin
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Douglas Archibald
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jacobi Elliott
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anita Kothari
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Stolee
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Heidi Sveistrup
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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3
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Garnett A, Pollock H, Floriancic N, Prentice K, Donelle L, Hand C, Oudshoorn A, Babenko-Mould Y, Forchuk C. Social Connectedness Between Family Caregivers and Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Homes in the Context of COVID-19. Can J Aging 2024; 43:33-44. [PMID: 37727879 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and resulting restrictions on physical access to long-term care homes culminated in health declines for older adults living there and their families. Knowledge gaps exist regarding maintaining social connectedness when physically separated. The study aimed to explore family members' perceptions of the impact that restrictions on physical access to long-term care homes had on the experience of social connectedness between family members and older adults living in long-term care. The method used was a qualitative description, using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Themes arising from inductive qualitative content analysis of 21 interviews with family members included: (a) lack of connection threatening mental, emotional health, and physical health; (b) navigating trust in the unknown; (c) feelings of stress and anxiety for family members; and (d) technology - an asset, but not for everyone. Study findings suggest more emphasis should be placed on supporting social connections between older adults and their families in the context of long-term care beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garnett
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah Pollock
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie Floriancic
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin Prentice
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lorie Donelle
- Biobehavioral Health & Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Carri Hand
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Abe Oudshoorn
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Yolanda Babenko-Mould
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl Forchuk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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4
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Boamah SA, Weldrick R, Yous ML, Gao H, Garnett A, Dal Bello-Haas V, Kaasalainen S. "Picturing a Way Forward": Strategies to Manage the Effects of COVID-19-Related Isolation on Long-Term Care Residents and Their Informal Caregivers. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad035. [PMID: 36999914 PMCID: PMC10733125 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Strategies to manage the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic included widespread use of physical distancing measures. These well-intended strategies adversely affected long-term care (LTC) residents' socialization and their caregiving arrangements, leading to exacerbation of social isolation and emotional distress for both residents and their caregivers. This study aimed to understand how these measures affected informal caregivers of people living in LTC homes in Ontario. Strategies to increase socialization and promote social connection during and post-COVID-19 were also explored. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This qualitative study used descriptive and photovoice approaches. Of the 9 potential caregivers identified, 6 participated in the study and shared their experiences and photographic reflections in virtual focus group sessions. RESULTS Findings highlighted the increased social isolation experienced by people living in LTC and their caregivers during COVID-19. Caregivers reported pronounced declines in residents' well-being and were frustrated by challenges connecting with their family members during quarantine. Attempts made by LTC homes to maintain social connections, such as window visits and video calls, did not fulfill the social needs of residents and their caregivers. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Findings underscore a need for better social support and resources for both LTC residents and their caregivers going forward to prevent further isolation and disengagement. Even in times of lockdown, LTC homes must implement policies, services, and programs that promote meaningful engagement for older adults and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A Boamah
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Weldrick
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marie-Lee Yous
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harrison Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Garnett
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vanina Dal Bello-Haas
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Kaasalainen
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Schneider P, Abt M, Cohen C, Marmier N, Ortoleva Bucher C. The impact of protective measures against COVID-19 on the wellbeing of residents in nursing homes and their relatives: a rapid review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:649. [PMID: 37821833 PMCID: PMC10568910 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic and compared to other population groups, older people were at a heightened risk of developing lethal disease symptoms. Thus, many countries put in place protective measures to protect this "at-risk" population, especially in nursing homes, to limit the number of infections. These measures consisted mostly in the absence of social gatherings, the impossibility for relatives to enter the nursing homes, limitations in group activities, and the ban of group-eating. Although these measures were helpful to mitigate the spread of the disease, they also induced long periods of social isolation for the residents of nursing homes. This could have impacted the wellbeing and quality of life of residents and their relatives, with a possible impact on the overall health of residents. We designed this rapid review to investigate the literature on the impact of COVID-19 protective measures in nursing homes on the quality of life, wellbeing and physical health of residents and their relatives. Our results showed that most of the articles included in the review, either using qualitative or quantitative methods, evidenced a detrimental impact of protective measures on resident's and their relatives' wellbeing. We argue that, in the event of a new pandemic similar to the COVID-19, protective measures should also take into account their psychological impact, and not only their physical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Schneider
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - M Abt
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Cohen
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Marmier
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Institute of Higher Education and Research in Health Care (IUFRS), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Ortoleva Bucher
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Sun AH, Ménard A, Farrell E, Filip A, Katz A, Orosz Z, Hsu AT. Perceptions of Palliative and End-Of-Life Care Capacity Among Frontline Staff and Administrators in Long-Term Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario, Canada: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1586-1593. [PMID: 37488030 PMCID: PMC10293894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the morbidity and mortality of residents in long-term care (LTC) homes. However, not much is known about its impact on staff's perception of their capacity to provide palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care for LTC residents over the course of the pandemic. We investigated changes in self-reported confidence among LTC workers and their experience in providing palliative and EOL care to residents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Mixed-methods evaluation using a survey (n = 19) and semistructured interviews (n = 28). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Frontline workers from 9 LTC homes who participated in Communication at End-of-Life Program in Ontario, Canada, between August 2019 and March 2020. METHODS The survey captured LTC staff's confidence level, including attitudes toward death and dying; relationships with residents and families; and participation in palliative and EOL care. The interviews identified facilitators and barriers to providing palliative and EOL care during the pandemic. RESULTS The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted frontline LTC staff's confidence in their role as palliative care providers. Participants also reported notable challenges to providing resident-centered palliative and EOL care. Specifically, visitation restriction has led to increased loneliness and isolation of residents and impeded staff's ability to build supportive relationships with families. Furthermore, staffing shortages due to the single-site work restriction and illness increased workload. Psychological stress caused by a fear of COVID-19 infection and transmission also hindered staff's capacity to provide good palliative and EOL care. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Frontline LTC staff-even those who felt competent in their knowledge and skills in providing palliative and EOL care after receiving training-reported notable difficulties in providing resident-centered palliative and EOL care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie H Sun
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at Bruyère, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alixe Ménard
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Farrell
- Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at Bruyère, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelina Filip
- Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at Bruyère, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Katz
- Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at Bruyère, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zsofia Orosz
- Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at Bruyère, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at Bruyère, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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7
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Cooke HA, Wu SA, Bourbonnais A, Baumbusch J. Disruptions in Relational Continuity: The Impact of Pandemic Public Health Measures on Families in Long-Term Care. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2023; 29:6-17. [PMID: 35674340 PMCID: PMC9850387 DOI: 10.1177/10748407221102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although the value of family caregivers' involvement with relatives in long-term care (LTC) is well recognized, tensions remain regarding their role. Such tensions were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic as strict public health measures restricted family access to LTC homes. Using interpretive description, we examined the impact of visitation restrictions on family caregivers' experiences caring for a relative in LTC between March 2020 and June 2021. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 family caregivers (five spouses and nine adult daughters) and two key themes were identified. The first theme, "seeking to maintain relational continuity," illustrates how caregivers sought to sustain connections with residents prior to and during the pandemic. The second theme, "disrupted relational continuity," highlights the impact of severed relational connections on caregivers' sense of self and ongoing feelings of loss and anger. Findings call for a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the pervasiveness of trauma for family caregivers and the avoidance of re-traumatization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah A. Wu
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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8
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Rojo-Perez F, Rodriguez-Rodriguez V, Fernandez-Mayoralas G, Sánchez-González D, Perez de Arenaza Escribano C, Rojo-Abuin JM, Forjaz MJ, Molina-Martínez MÁ, Rodriguez-Blazquez C. Residential Environment Assessment by Older Adults in Nursing Homes during COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16354. [PMID: 36498426 PMCID: PMC9739633 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The most vulnerable residential settings during the COVID-19 pandemic were older adult's nursing homes, which experienced high rates of incidence and death from this cause. This paper aims to ascertain how institutionalized older people assessed their residential environment during the pandemic and to examine the differences according to personal and contextual characteristics. The COVID-19 Nursing Homes Survey (Madrid region, Spain) was used. The residential environment assessment scale (EVAER) and personal and contextual characteristics were selected. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis were applied. The sample consisted of 447 people (mean age = 83.8, 63.1% = women, 50.8% = widowed, 40% = less than primary studies). Four residential assessment subscales (relationships, mobility, residential aspects, privacy space) and three clusters according to residential rating (medium-high with everything = 71.5% of cases, low with mobility = 15.4%, low with everything = 13.1%) were obtained. The logistic regression models for each cluster category showed to be statistically significant. Showing a positive affect (OR = 1.08), fear of COVID-19 (OR = 1.06), high quality of life (OR = 1.05), not having suspicion of depression (OR = 0.75) and performing volunteer activities (OR = 3.67) were associated with the largest cluster. It is concluded that a better residential evaluation was related to more favourable personal and contextual conditions. These results can help in the design of nursing homes for older adults in need of accommodation and care to facilitate an age-friendly environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermina Rojo-Perez
- Grupo de Investigacion sobre Envejecimiento (GIE), IEGD, CSIC, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Diego Sánchez-González
- Department of Geography, National Distance Education University (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Maria João Forjaz
- National Centre of Epidemiology and Health Service Research Network on Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC) and Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Ángeles Molina-Martínez
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, National Distance Education University (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodriguez-Blazquez
- National Centre of Epidemiology and Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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de Rosa CB, Zhou Y, Lyons A, Chang YP. COVID-19 Experiences of Relatives of Nursing Home Residents. Clin Nurs Res 2022; 31:1399-1404. [PMID: 36062527 PMCID: PMC9444825 DOI: 10.1177/10547738221121028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Nursing home residents comprise a disproportionate share of coronavirus-related deaths in the United States. Additionally, lockdown restrictions disrupted residents' relationships with their family members to an unknown extent. This study explored family members' perceived family role and interactions with nursing home residents and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, 10 family members were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's Reflexive Thematic analysis. Themes and subthemes indicated that family members accounted for residents' care in new ways, found existing relationships becoming amplified under stress, maintained connections through creative alternatives, and also felt powerless to provide care, despite their knowledge and experience. Family members increasingly relied on staff to meet residents' care needs and provide updates, and often desired to provide assistance and companionship beyond what policy permitted, representing a major opportunity for improving experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanjun Zhou
- University at Buffalo, The State
University of New York, USA
| | - Amy Lyons
- University at Buffalo, The State
University of New York, USA
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- University at Buffalo, The State
University of New York, USA
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10
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Chu CH, Yee A, Stamatopoulos V. Poor and Lost Connections: Essential Family Caregivers' Experiences Using Technology with Family Living in Long-Term Care Homes during COVID-19. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:1547-1556. [PMID: 35416076 PMCID: PMC9014337 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221081850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Long-term care homes (LTCHs) restricted essential family caregivers’ (EFCs) visitations during COVID-19, and virtual visits using technology were used. Objective: To understand EFCs’ virtual visitations experiences during COVID-19 in two Canadian provinces. Methods: Seven focus groups were conducted with EFCs. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes at micro, meso, and macro levels. Results: Four themes were found: 1) a lack of technology and infrastructure; 2) barriers to scheduling visitations; 3) unsuitable technology implementation; and 4) inability of technology to adapt to residents’ needs. Discussion: Virtual visitations showcased a confluence of micro, meso, and macro factors that, in some cases, negatively impacted the EFCs, residents, and the relationship between EFCs and residents. Structural and home inequities within and beyond the LTCH impacted the quality of technology-based visitations, underscoring the need to support technology infrastructure and training to ensure residents are able to maintain relationships during visitation bans. Conclusion: EFCs’ experiences of technology-based visitations were impacted by structural vulnerabilities of the LTCH sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene H Chu
- 70379Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Institute for Life Course & Aging, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Yee
- Faculty of Arts and Science, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vivian Stamatopoulos
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 85458Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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11
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Ickert C, Stefaniuk R, Leask J. Experiences of long-term care and supportive living residents and families during the COVID-19 pandemic: "It's a lot different for us than it is for the average Joe". Geriatr Nurs 2021; 42:1547-1555. [PMID: 34741828 PMCID: PMC8531259 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Long-term care and supportive living (LTC/SL) residents are among the most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. As such, early public health measures focused on this population. This study examined the experiences and perspectives of residents and family members of residents living in LTC/SL centres in Alberta, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between July and October 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 residents and 18 family members of residents from 10 centres. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Analysis revealed 5 categories from resident interviews (Living with Rules and Restrictions; COVID-19 Knowledge and Information; Wellbeing; Centre Operational Response; Criticisms and Suggestions for Improvement) and 6 categories from family interviews (Family Role; Navigating the New Normal; COVID-19 Knowledge and Information; Policy Limitations; Policy Impact; Centre Response). The results highlight the importance of engaging residents and families during pandemic preparation, response, and follow-up evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ickert
- CapitalCare, 6th floor, 10909 - Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3M9, Canada.
| | - Rachel Stefaniuk
- CapitalCare, 6th floor, 10909 - Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3M9, Canada
| | - James Leask
- CapitalCare, 6th floor, 10909 - Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3M9, Canada
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