scholarly journals When Advocates are Forced to go Virtual: The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Response to COVID 19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 852-852
Author(s):  
H Wayne Nelson ◽  
F Ellen Netting ◽  
Mary W Carter ◽  
Bo Kyum Yang
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Task Forces ◽  
Resource Center ◽  
Grass Roots ◽  
Outreach Services ◽  
Town Halls ◽  
Academic Search

Abstract This study explores strategies used by the nation’s Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Programs (LTCOP) to perform their grass roots, investigatory, sentinel defense advocacy during the near total COVID LTC lock out from March 13th 2020 through September 17th, when the “ban” was conditionally lifted. Our layered systematic searches by title, subject, and total text for unrestricted allusions to the LTCOP used the multi-disciplinary database Academic Search Ultimate that includes mass media. Selection criteria included print and broadcast news. Search keywords were “ombudsman” singly and with 10 other terms. This was augmented by reviewing the National LTC Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) clearinghouse information website and by interviewing NORC staff. Resulting (172) media entries (92% print) were manually coded independently by a team of five, and iteratively reconciled according to a simple flat frame format to identify key words and associated themes. Four main LTCOP lock out strategies emerged: (1) virtual resident interventions (via phone, Skype, Zoom, in-facility allies); (2) public outreach (services provided, sharing COVID data and best practices, social isolation threats and mitigation efforts [window visits], need for volunteers); (3) systems advocacy (state/federal; CMS, legislative and other testimony about social isolation, CARES Act check problems, visitation issues; and (4) partnering with others (multi-agency planning groups, task forces, Zoom town halls, interstate information sharing). NORC interviews revealed that older LTCOP volunteers are seizing the COVID lock-out to retire undermining an already short-staffed network—so calls for volunteers were evident in about 25% of all stories regardless of any other focus.

scholarly journals Digital Technologies To Enhance Social Connectedness in Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 942-943
Author(s):  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Aderonke Abgoji ◽  
Alanna Koopmans ◽  
Christopher Ross
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract A consequence of the strict visitor restrictions implemented by many Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs), during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the exacerbation of loneliness and social isolation felt by older adult residents. While there had been a shift by some persons to utilize digital solutions to mitigate the effects of the imposed social isolation, many facilities did not have sufficient information regarding available solutions to implement institutional strategies to support social connectedness through digital solutions. To support our partners in evidence-based policy-making we conducted a scoping review to identify existing virtual technology solutions, apps, and platforms feasible to promote social connectedness among persons residing in a long-term care facility context during times of lockdown such as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial identification of relevant literature involved a combination of keywords and subject headings searches within 5 databases (PubMed, CINAHL EBSCO, PsychINFO EBSCO, Embase OVIDSP, and Web of Science ISI). DistillerSR was used to screen, chart and summarize the data. There is growth in the availability of technologies focused on promoting health and well-being in later life for persons in long-term care facilities however a gap remains in widespread uptake. We will describe the breadth of technologies identified in this review and discuss how they vary in utility in smaller scale facilities common in rural areas. Of the technologies that can be used to mitigate the impacts of social isolation felt by long-term care residents, many “solutions” depend on stable highspeed internet, which remains a challenge in rural and northern areas.

scholarly journals THE EXTREME FACE OF SOCIAL ISOLATION: A COHORT STUDY OF UNBEFRIENDED INDIVIDUALS IN LONG-TERM CARE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S532-S533
Author(s):  
Stephanie Chamberlain ◽  
Wendy Duggleby ◽  
Pamela B Teaster ◽  
Janet Fast ◽  
Carole Estabrooks
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Family Contact

Abstract Even though social isolation is a significant predictor of poor health and mortality in older adults, very little is known about social isolation in long-term care (LTC) settings. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, demographic characteristics, health outcomes, and disease diagnoses of residents without family contact in Alberta LTC homes. Using data collected between April 2008 and March 2018, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Resident Assessment Instrument, Minimum Data Set, (RAI-MDS 2.0) data from 34 LTC facilities in Alberta. We identified individuals who had no contact with family or friends. Using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, we compared the characteristics, disease diagnoses, and functional status of individuals who had no contact with family and individuals who did have contact with family. We identified a cohort of 25,330 individuals, of whom 945 had no contact with family or friends. Different from residents who had family, the cohort with no contact was younger (81.47 years, SD=11.79), and had a longer length of stay (2.71 years, SD=3.63). For residents who had contact with family, residents with no contact had a greater number of mental health diagnoses, including depression (OR: 1.21, [95% CI: 1.06-1.39]), bipolar disorder (OR: 1.80, [95% CI: 1.22-2.68]), and schizophrenia (OR: 3.9, [95% CI: 2.96-5.14]). Interpretation: Residents without family contact had a number of unique care concerns, including mental health issues and poor health outcomes. These findings have implications for the training of staff and LTC services available to these vulnerable residents.

scholarly journals Social Distancing vs Social Interaction for Older Adults at Long-Term Care Facilities in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review and Synthesis of Action Plans

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110442
Author(s):  
Farhana Ferdous
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Care Facilities

The present study aimed to systematically analyze the impact of COVID-19-related social distancing requirements on older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and to synthesize the literature into thematic action plans to minimize the adverse effects of social isolation. The search included articles published between December 2019 and August 2020 across four databases. The inclusion criteria were used to screen for studies that reported on social isolation and loneliness due to the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults living in LTCFs. This rapid review identified 29 relevant studies and synthesized them into four thematic action plans: technological advancement, remote communication, therapeutic care/stress management, and preventive measures. These thematic action plans and cost-effective strategies can be immediately adopted and used as a resource for all LTCF administrators, healthcare design professionals, and researchers in battling current COVID-19-related issues, and improving social interaction in older adults living in care facilities.

scholarly journals Experiences of Social Distancing During Coronavirus Disease 2019 as a Catalyst for Changing Long-Term Care Culture

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Marion C. Leaman ◽  
Jamie H. Azios
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Psychosocial Consequences ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Care Culture ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In this article, we draw a parallel between the experience of social isolation that occurred throughout the world during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and similar experiences occurring in everyday life for people with communication disorders living in long-term care (LTC) facilities. We propose that speech-language pathologists can use the widespread experience of social isolation as a learning catalyst in the effort to shift the LTC culture to one that more highly values a communicative environment that is accessible to all, thereby reducing risk of social isolation for those with communication disorders. Conclusions Many training paradigms for promoting an accessible communicative environment are available in the speech-language pathology literature, yet institutional barriers exist for their widespread implementation. Overcoming these barriers is a challenge that requires awareness and learning on the part of staff and administration regarding the impact of an unfriendly communicative environment on social isolation, and the resulting psychosocial consequences. Learning theory indicates that new learning in adults is motivated by connections between personal experiences and the material to be learned. Explicitly infusing established training programs with the experience of social isolation brought on by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic may be the key needed for changing the communicative environment in LTC.

scholarly journals Social Isolation in Long-Term Care Facilities Related to COVID-19: Effect on Resident Anxiety and Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 579-579
Author(s):  
Nazmus Sakib ◽  
Joseph June ◽  
Lindsay Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Virus Spread ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Loneliness is a common problem in long-term care. It has been associated with a higher risk of depression, aggressive behaviors, and anxiety and may be a risk factor for cognitive decline. Loneliness can exacerbate social isolation. The COVID-19 emergency brought on measures in Florida, beginning in March 2020, to separate nursing home (NH) and assisted living community (ALC) residents from each other and family members to limit virus spread. This study examines results of a survey with Florida NH (N=59) and ALC (N=117) administrators concerning effects of these measures. Scaled (1-5, lowest to highest) data indicate that resident anxiety was higher in NHs (M=3.40) than ALCs (M=3.17). Care disruptions related to limited resident-to-resident contact also were worse in NHs (M=3.74) than in ALCs (M=3.21), while care disruptions related to loss of family support were higher among ALCs (M=3.19) than in NHs (M=2.86). Implications of these findings will be discussed.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Social Isolation Among Older Adults in Long Term Care: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila A. Boamah ◽  
Rachel Weldrick ◽  
Tin-Suet Joan Lee ◽  
Nicole Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Online Databases

Objectives: A wealth of literature has established risk factors for social isolation among older people, however much of this research has focused on community-dwelling populations. Relatively little is known about how risk of social isolation is experienced among those living in long-term care (LTC) homes. We conducted a scoping review to identify possible risk factors for social isolation among older adults living in LTC homes. Methods: A systematic search of five online databases retrieved 1535 unique articles. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Thematic analyses revealed that possible risk factors exist at three levels: individual (e.g., communication barriers), systems (e.g., location of LTC facility), and structural factors (e.g., discrimination). Discussion: Our review identified several risk factors for social isolation that have been previously documented in literature, in addition to several risks that may be unique to those living in LTC homes. Results highlight several scholarly and practical implications.

scholarly journals Competing crises: COVID‐19 countermeasures and social isolation among older adults in long‐term care

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (10) ◽  
pp. 2456-2459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene H. Chu ◽  
Simon Donato‐Woodger ◽  
Christopher J. Dainton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care

scholarly journals 472 - Santa Isabel Program for psycho-motor function in normal and pathological aging during current times of COVID-19 confinement in a long-term care

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 194-194
Author(s):  
Lidia Castillo-Mariqueo ◽  
Patricia Valenzuela-Garrido ◽  
Lydia Giménez-Llort
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
General Level ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Clinical Scenarios

Since its appearance, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated a state of alarm worldwide. Extraordinary confinement measures, only seen in times of war, have been implemented to halt the fast viral transmission, the consequent stress and overload of health systems and, mostly, the dead of the most vulnerable people. Physical and social isolation has changed the lifestyle we are used to, affecting our mood and mental health at a general level. However, the group of greatest risk and vulnerability are the elder age group, due to their higher incidence of frailty, their immunosenescence and comorbidities. Also, in this elder group of the population, the consequences of social isolation may be worse to handle, especially in those who live alone and do not have a family or a strong community bond. In the case of long-term institutionalized patients, these clinical scenarios are struggling to maintain their rehabilitation and care programs while desperately adapting to the dramatic situations due to the severe impact of COVID -19 in these care settings. To address this complex scenario, we developed and implemented the Santa Isabel Program, a series of recommendations for long-term care with the aim of guiding and promoting routines, activities and habits to help maintenance of psycho -motor function of older people during the state of alarm and thereafter. The Santa Isabel Program was defined as a general therapeutic resource with the selection of different modalities of physical activity (daily walk, adapted gymnastics and dance) and functional cognitive activity (meditation, relaxation, memory and attention). Chronogram, time and intensity levels were of adjustable dosage to respond to the needs and requirements of the elder people according to the severity and type of physical or cognitive impairment. In addition, specific indications were developed for cases of people with cognitive pathology (dementia). These guidelines were prepared for the professional team and support staff, in order to provide tools that allow them to resolve complex situations such as BPSD, the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Finally, audiovisual support sessions and video calls were incorporated to allow interaction with residents and the health team, safeguarding the COVID-19 infection prevention measures.

scholarly journals The Cost of Isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Sheila A. Boamah ◽  
Vanina Dal Bello-Haas ◽  
Rachel Weldrick
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Background: Recent research has found that family (e.g., informal, unpaid) caregivers to those in long-term care can experience significant risk of social isolation, a harmful social outcome linked to poor health and wellbeing. For many, the COVID-19 global pandemic has been a time marked by challenges that have exacerbated existing risk of social isolation and has likely impacted mental health and wellbeing among caregivers. As such, this paper outlines a protocol to investigate the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological health and well-being of family caregivers of people living in residential long-term care. Methods/Design: A descriptive phenomenological design and photovoice methodology will be used alongside focus groups to capture the perspectives and voices of 15-20 family caregivers. Data will be analyzed thematically, and themes will be developed collaboratively alongside participants. A secondary analysis will be guided by a cumulative inequality lens to consider how the COVID-19 pandemic has differentially affected caregivers. Discussion: The results will fill a significant gap in the existing literature on caregiver isolation during this pandemic and inform the development and/or refinement of caregiver supports.

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