Title : Generating a model of the impact of social isolation and loneliness on older nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon: A grounded theory study
Abstract:
The increased vulnerability of nursing home residents in Lebanon to COVID-19 infection put the residents under increased stress requiring harsher restrictive measures to be implemented, including stricter forms of social isolation. As a result of social isolation, older residents experienced feelings of loneliness that have been shown to be associated with many deleterious physical and mental health consequences. The overall aim of this study was to investigate how Covid-19 restrictions inflicted by the pandemic impacted the lives of nursing home residents in Lebanon, and to construct a theoretical model using a classic approach to generating grounded theory. The study was a qualitative exploration of the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes of older residents towards the restrictive measures that were put in place during the pandemic.
Two care homes for older people situated in Beirut took part in the study. Between 2020 and 2021 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a sample of 20 residents. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Four categories emerged by this analytical process. (1) embedding resilience, (2) decreased feelings of connectedness with family and staff, (3) reminisce on their past experiences, (4) using music for healing. The emergence of these categories confirmed the complex, interrelated and multidimensional nature of quality of life for residents and other stakeholders.
The results of this study provide the evidence base for helping older adults affected by social isolation measures. The results of this study will inform intervention measures tailored for this population. Raising awareness on this matter would encourage more studies to be conducted, because there is little information available on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on nursing homes in Lebanon.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- This study can have the impact of initiating training events for nursing home staff identified in partnership with nursing homes, focusing on ‘what the residents, relatives and staff ‘want’ and ‘what works well’.to be prepared for another pandemic.
- The lessons learned from this study will provide the evidence base for helping older adults residing in nursing homes affected by the social isolation measures.
- Raising awareness on this matter would encourage more studies to be conducted, because there is little information available on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on nursing homes.
