JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the lives of older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCHs). Families have played a notable role during the long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic in reducing their social isolation and loneliness (SIL). This study focused on older linguistic minority adults residing in LTCFs.

Objective:

The study explores and describes the SIL experiences and perceptions of families members of older adults resideing in four LTCFs from two Canadian provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

The study used a qualitative, exploratory phenomenological design. From June 2021 to February 2022, eleven family members of four LTCHs completed one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Telephone was utilized to conduct the interviews during the outbreak period, and face-to-face, when possible, under the permission of the LTCH.

Results:

Using qualitative thematic analysis, four themes emerged: (i) perception of LTCHs functioning, (ii) portrait of SIL among residents, (iii) relationships with loved ones, and (iv) strategies developed to address SIL. Most family members (8/11) experienced SIL in their older adult. They kept in touch with them using technological tools (e.g., video chatting) when face-to-face visits were impossible.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrated the importance of families’ role in the inclusive culture of LTCHs services and the pandemic provided an opportunity to work with LTCHs in maintaining residents' quality of life by addressing SIL.