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

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe focus of this paper is exemplary gerontological nursing interventions that effectively supported families and long‐term care residents in Canada during visiting restrictions resulting from COVID‐19.ObjectiveThe aim was to describe exemplary gerontological nursing interventions that families and long‐term care residents in Canada found supportive during visiting restrictions resulting from COVID‐19.MethodsAn analysis of data artefacts including news reports, blogs and social media postings was completed.ResultsThematic analysis resulted in four themes: dedication amidst challenge, innovation and continuous learning, living their nursing values and purposeful knowledge sharing. These themes are described using a framework that depicts four pillars of exemplary nursing practice: professionalism, scholarly practice, leadership and stewardship (Riley, Beal, & Ponte, 2021).Conclusions/Implications for PracticeA link is made between these pillars of exemplary practice and enactment of family‐focused care. Recommendations focused on gerontological nursing approaches that facilitate family‐focused care for older adults residing in long‐term care are included.