Exploring experiences of loneliness among Canadian long‐term care residents during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has significant impact on long‐term care (LTC) residents’ health and well‐being. Objectives This study investigated resident experiences of loneliness during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Canadian LTC homes to offer lessons learned and implications. Methods 15 residents and 16 staff members were recruited from two large urban Canadian LTC homes with large outbreaks and fatalities. We used a telepresence robot to conduct one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews with participants remotely. We applied the Collaborative Action Research (CAR) methodology and report the early phase of CAR focused on collecting data and reporting findings to inform actions for change. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes. Results Four themes were identified. The first two themes characterise what commonly generated feelings of loneliness amongst residents, including (1) social isolation and missing their family and friends and (2) feeling hopeless and grieving for lives lost. The second two themes describe what helped residents alleviate loneliness, including (3) social support and (4) creating opportunities for recreation and promoting positivity. Conclusions Residents living in LTC experienced significant social isolation and grief during the pandemic that resulted in loneliness and other negative health consequences. Implications for practice Promoting meaningful connection, safe recreational activities and a positive atmosphere in LTC homes during the pandemic may help mitigate residents’ experiences of loneliness due to social isolation and/or grief and enhance their quality of life.

Loneliness in nursing homes: A qualitative meta‐synthesis of older people's experiences

“…All research was published between 2012 and 2023, with five studies done in China (Chen et al, 2016; Chen et al, 2019; Ho et al, 2022; Huang et al, 2022; Zhang et al, 2018) and the other eight done in Australia (Barbosa Neves et al, 2019); Singapore (Chew, 2022); Canada (Smith et al, 2023); Turkey (Kuru Alici & Kalanlar, 2021); Norway (Drageset et al, 2015); Belgium (Paque et al, 2018); South Africa (Roos & Malan, 2012); and Sri Lanka (Wijesiri et al, 2019). The bulk of investigations (Huang et al, 2022; Roos & Malan, 2012; Smith et al, 2023) were carried out in nursing homes, while three other studies were done in long‐term care institutions. Two studies (Ho et al, 2022; Smith et al, 2023) explored the experience of loneliness among older people in nursing homes during COVID‐19.…”

“…It is defined as a subjective feeling of unhappiness resulting from a gap between the desired and actual level of social relationships (Huang et al, 2022; Lapane et al, 2022; Perlman et al, 1998). Older persons who reside in nursing homes have less touch with family, friends and neighbours, leaving them emotionally disconnected (Smith et al, 2023). In addition, the unfamiliarity of institutionalisation leads to a poorer sense of belonging and superficial relationships with other residents and staff, which makes older people living in institutions more likely to experience loneliness than those living in the community (Buckley & McCarthy, 2009; Victor, 2012).…”

Indigenous Land-based Activities as a Form of Health Resiliency: A Racialized Immigrant Family-based Learning

“…Limited English pro ciency and cultural differences can make it di cult for immigrants to access accurate and timely information about COVID-19 prevention, testing, and vaccination (Smith et al, 2023). Language barriers can also hinder effective communication with healthcare providers, leading to potential misunderstandings or inadequate healthcare.…”

Facilitators and Barriers to Using Virtual Reality and its Impact on Social Engagement in Aged Care Settings: A Scoping Review

“…Loneliness among older adults, especially those living in institutionalized settings such as long-term care, is a major, long-standing concern ( LeVasseur, 2021 ). The lockdowns, visitation restrictions, and reduced social activities in care settings during COVID-19, further aggravated these concerns ( Boamah et al, 2021 ; Smith et al, 2022 ; Wong et al, 2022 ). In the United States, between 22% and 42% of older adults feel lonely living in long-term care, while 10% of those living in communities complain of loneliness ( Simard & Volicer, 2020 ).…”