Activities for Residents of Dutch Nursing Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

To protect nursing home residents from getting infected with COVID-19, several measures have been imposed. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of these measures on activities for Dutch nursing home residents, the conditions under which the activities could take place, and the considerations when making decisions about the (dis)continuation of activities. The study consisted of the data of the qualitative MINUTES-study. Textual units derived from documentation of an outbreak team (OT) meetings on activities, well-being, informal caregivers, and volunteers from 39 long-term care organizations were re-analyzed using a content analysis. The results shows that OTs more often discussed restarting and continuing activities than stopping activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were differences between time periods, but activities never completely stopped according to the minutes. Activities were offered in an adapted way, often under certain conditions, such as organizing activities at other locations (e.g., outside), with limited group size, and following specific guidelines. The main focus of the considerations made were the ability to adhere to the guidelines, the well-being of residents, ensuring safety, and balancing benefits versus risks given vaccination availability and coverage. Overall, the study showed that organizing activities for nursing home residents despite COVID-19 measures is possible.

Residential Environment Assessment by Older Adults in Nursing Homes during COVID-19 Outbreak

“…However, the pandemic and lockdown experience have prompted a reduction in the frequency of participation in leisure activities [ 112 ], especially those with a social and active component performed outdoors [ 113 ], as well as the need to adjust leisure to become more passive [ 114 ]. In the context of long-term care facilities in the Netherlands, a process of (dis)continuation of activities has been observed through measures of organizing activities in different locations, in limited groups, and subject to an action guide [ 115 ]. Our study has shown that more than 6 out of 10 people were grouped in the inactivity cluster (very low participation in activity) [ 70 ].…”

Cognitive stimulation for people with dementia in nursing homes: a protocol for a feasibility study examining a new 24/7 approach (CogStim24)

“…Additionally, during the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, group activities, including cognitive stimulation and 'memory training groups', were paused in most settings. 14 On the basis of the considerations highlighted above, a 24/7 approach in which cognitive stimulation is used as an intervention accompanying daily routine care may enable sustainable stimulation for many PwD within existing care structures. To date, there is no concept of cognitive stimulation as a 24/7 approach to everyday contact between PwD and caregivers.…”

“…In outpatient settings, intervention groups may not be available at all (eg, in rural areas). Additionally, during the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, group activities, including cognitive stimulation and ‘memory training groups’, were paused in most settings 14…”