School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Gerontologist. 2024 Jan 1;64(1). doi: 10.1093/geront/gnad035.
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.
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.
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.
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.
为应对 2019 年冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行，实施了广泛的身体疏远措施。这些策略虽出于善意，但对长期护理（LTC）居民的社交活动及其护理安排产生了不利影响，导致居民及其护理人员的社会隔离和情绪困扰加剧。本研究旨在了解这些措施对安大略省 LTC 居民的非正式护理人员产生了怎样的影响。同时还探讨了在 COVID-19 期间和之后增加社交活动和促进社交联系的策略。
本定性研究采用描述性和影像叙事方法。在确定的 9 名潜在护理人员中，有 6 名参加了研究，并在虚拟焦点小组会议上分享了他们的经验和摄影反思。
研究结果突显了 COVID-19 期间 LTC 居民及其护理人员经历的社交隔离加剧。护理人员报告称，居民的幸福感明显下降，并且在隔离期间与家人联系存在困难，感到沮丧。LTC 院为保持社交联系所做的尝试，如窗口探视和视频通话，并未满足居民及其护理人员的社交需求。
研究结果强调，今后需要为 LTC 居民及其护理人员提供更好的社会支持和资源，以防止进一步的隔离和脱节。即使在封锁期间，LTC 院也必须实施政策、服务和计划，以促进老年人及其家庭的有意义参与。
