Facilitating family‐focused Care of Older adults living in Long‐Term Care in Canada during Restricted Visiting due to COVID‐19

Abstract

Visiting restrictions limiting family contact with older adults living in long-term care invoked by the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on families and residents (Nash, 2021). It is widely recognised that families are not only important to the health and well-being of long-term care residents but should be considered an essential part of the care team (Institute for Patient-and Family-Centered Care, n.d.). Limited visitation drastically reduced the possibility for family to partner in care. Geriatric nurses were required to minimise the negative impact of this reality by trying to fill this care void. Although nurses can never replace the love, care and compassion, a family member is able to provide, in many instances nurses were able to make a positive difference