Nursing Home Residents' Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Long-term care facilities in the United States have accounted for 40% of deaths related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Restriction of in-person visitation has heightened mental health challenges among nursing home residents, and limited evidence exists in the literature concerning nursing home residents' experiences since the COVID-19 outbreak first began. The current study used a qualitative design to obtain data from residents within two nursing homes in New York. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged: Emotional Reactions to Lockdown , Mixed Feelings and Attitudes Toward Nursing Home Staff and Family, Need for Support and Connection, and Desire to Be Informed and Involved . Results show that nursing home residents are emotionally burdened and suggest a critical need to provide ongoing support to prevent mental health concerns. Future research should develop interventions to help manage adverse emotional outcomes. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49 (4), 27–32.]