Did managers of long-term care facilities neglect the functionality of older adults? A survey during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: American journal of infection control 2023-12, Vol.51 (12), p.1350-1355
• Main Authors: de Lacerda, Tatiana Teixeira Barral, Assis, Marcella Guimarães, de Carvalho, Poliana Fialho, Pereira, Leani Souza Máximo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administrators; Nursing home
• ISSN: 0196-6553; 1527-3296; 1527-3296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.05.001

Physical distancing impaired the health of older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCF). This study aimed to assess the perception of managers of Brazilian LTCF about the loss of functionality of residents and strategies to prevent it. In this cross-sectional study, 276 managers of LTCF from all Brazilian regions responded to an online survey, following the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys. The managers reported a loss of cognitive (60.2%) and physical (48.2%) functionality and more depressive symptoms (77.9%) and falls (16.3%) in residents. In addition, 73.2% of LTCFs reduced in-person activities, and 55.8% did not perform remote activities. Managers of LTCF neglected the functionality of residents. Thus, health surveillance, prevention, and care must be reinforced for this population. •The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed enormous challenges on LTCF.•The negligence in preserving the functionality of older adults in LTCF was revealed.•There was a reduction in the presence of rehabilitation professional in LTCF.•Less than half of the LTCF offered remote activities to preserve the functionality.•Cognitive difficulty and poor participation by older adults were barriers observed.