Caught off guard by covid-19: Now what?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Social interaction and intimacy are fundamental needs for older adults (OAs) in assisted living (AL) communities.
• COVID-19 pandemic mandates impeded essential social connections for OAs in AL.
• Socialization in AL promotes holistic well-being (body, mind, spirit) and mitigates negative health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe practical, low-cost interventions for AL staff to maintain resident social connections.
• To utilize the 4 M Framework to guide interventions for OAs in AL settings.
• To support mentation, function, and mobility among AL residents during challenging times.

Main Methods:

• Application of the 4 M Framework (Mind, Mobility, Medications, Mentation) by The John A. Hartford Foundation and Institute of Healthcare Improvement.
• Description of simple, direct bedside interventions for front-line nursing and caregiver staff.
• Focus on patient-centered care to maintain social connections and well-being.

Main Results:

• Identified low-cost, high-value interventions applicable at the bedside.
• Demonstrated how staff can foster social connections, interactions, mentation, function, and mobility.
• Provided a framework for enhancing the quality of life for AL residents.

Conclusions:

• Front-line staff can effectively use the 4 M Framework to support OAs' fundamental needs in AL.
• Interventions can mitigate the negative impacts of isolation on OAs' social, mental, and physical health.
• Maintaining social connections is crucial for the holistic health of older adults in assisted living.