A recent study led by Dr. Lillian Hung at the University of British Columbia investigated experiences of loneliness among Canadian long-term care residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was published in The International Journal of Older People Nursing.
UBC Authors: Chelsea Smith, Karen Lok Yi Wong, Dr. Flora To-Miles, and Dr. Lillian Hung
Summary: Researchers from the UBC-based IDEA (Innovations in Dementia and Aging) Lab, led by Dr. Lillian Hung, a member of the Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program recently published the results of a study that investigated experiences of loneliness among residents of long-term care homes in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative design, the team used a telepresence robot to conduct one-on-one interviews with study participants remotely. Participants included both residents and staff members of two large, urban long-term care homes that had large outbreaks and fatalities. Four themes were identified. The first two characterized what commonly led to feelings of loneliness among residents, including 1) social isolation and missing family and friends and 2) feeling hopeless and grieving for lives lost. The second two themes described what helped residents alleviate loneliness, including 3) social support and 4) creating opportunities for recreation and positivity. This study suggests that promoting meaningful connection, safe recreational activities and a positive atmosphere in long-term care homes during the pandemic may help lessen residents’ experiences of loneliness due to social isolation and grief and enhance their quality of life.
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