COVID-19's Impact in Long-Term Care Facilities: The Health and Coping Strategies of Older Adults and Their Families

• Published in: Journal of advanced nursing 2024-10
• Main Authors: Cohen, Christine, Abt, Maryline, Bélanger, Louise, Ortoleva Bucher, Claudia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0309-2402; 1365-2648; 1365-2648
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.16530

Describe the stressors that long-term care facility (LTCF) residents and their family members were exposed to during the COVID-19 pandemic, the resources they mobilised to cope with them, and the strategies used by professionals to support them. A descriptive qualitative design study. Between March 2021 and February 2022, we carried out semi-structured interviews with 8 LTCF residents, 11 family members, and 6 focus groups made up of healthcare and support staff from 8 LTCFs. Three themes emerged: (1) residents and family members: separated and suffering, (2) residents and family members: reinventing themselves, and (3) staff: attempts to maintain residents' well-being. LTCF Residents' and their family members' exposure to the various stressors linked to the COVID-19 pandemic generated suffering. Healthcare and support staff implemented strategies to support them, notably to maintain links between them. Some deep reflection must occur on the concepts of LTCF residents' autonomy and self-determination when implementing protective measures in future pandemic situations. This study has provided new insights into the nature of the stressors faced by LTCF residents and their families, and the measures implemented by professionals to support them. The role of the families of LTCF residents needs to be better recognised. Our results indicate the importance of involving nurses in discussions on patient autonomy and self-determination when implementing protective measures (in a pandemic situation). Exploring the nature of the stressors experienced by LTCF residents and their families enables professionals to tailor strategies to support them. Maintaining residents' self-determination is essential when implementing protective measures. Families involved with residents must be recognised and included in the assessment of stressors and the personalisation and implementation of strategies to support LTCF residents. No Patient or Public Contribution.