Effect of Quarantine on Body Weight Among Residents of Assisted Living Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Assisted living facility (ALF) residents are at greater risk of declining health and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to advanced age, frailty, chronic conditions, and transmission prevention methods. One method, room quarantine, can lead to isolation and potential weight changes. Continuous room quarantine was mandated by the state for all nursing home and ALF residents. The objective of the current study was to determine the degree and significance of weight loss during quarantine through retrospective chart review and use these findings to guide a quality improvement project. Pre–and post–COVID-19 weights were compared for 53 house call program residents. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. This small convenience sample demonstrated significant weight loss for 40% of ALF residents quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Males showed a greater risk of significant weight loss. Weight loss of 5% in 1 month is considered problematic in older adults. As quarantine measures continue to be used for COVID-19 outbreaks, weight changes, particularly among males, need to be monitored and reported for intervention. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49 (9), 29–34.]