Social Connection is Essential in Long-Term Care Homes: Considerations During COVID-19 and Beyond

Authors

  • Jennifer Bethell KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6141-9011
  • Hannah M. O'Rourke University of Alberta
  • Heather Eagleson Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)
  • Daniel Gaetano Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)
  • Wayne Hykaway Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)
  • Carrie McAiney University of Waterloo, Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.24.488

Keywords:

social network, social engagement, social support, loneliness, dementia, long-term care homes

Abstract

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on long-term care (LTC) homes in Canada. But the measures put in place to control infection within LTC homes have also had devastating impacts on the health and well-being of residents through the effects on social connection. Here, we offer guiding principles to enable social connection and promote health and quality of life for LTC residents during COVID-19 and beyond. These principles were generated by a working group of the CO­VID-19 and Dementia Task Force, convened by the Alzheimer Society of Canada to identify the urgent and emerging issues raised by COVID-19 for Canadians with dementia.

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Published

2021-05-11

How to Cite

1.
Bethell J, O’Rourke HM, Eagleson H, Gaetano D, Hykaway W, McAiney C. Social Connection is Essential in Long-Term Care Homes: Considerations During COVID-19 and Beyond. Can Geriatr J [Internet]. 2021 May 11 [cited 2024 Nov. 24];24(2):151-3. Available from: https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/488

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Commentaries

License

Authors contributing to the Candian Geriatrics Journal retain copyright of their work, with exclusive publication rights granted to the Canadian Geriatrics Society upon article acceptance. Read the journal's full copyright and open access policy.