Evaluating the 4Ms of Age-Friendly Nursing Homes During COVID-19

To describe changes in the 4Ms-What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility-from before and the first 6 months of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among nursing home residents.

Measures included able to express self, understand verbal content, medication use, depression and cognitive status, locomotion support, and use of assisted mobility devices. Measures were compared between the pre-pandemic period to the first and second 3 months of the pandemic among 85 residents.

Between the baseline and follow-up pandemic quarters, residents experienced declines in ability to express themselves, had increases in the use of depression medication, and needed more locomotion support over time. There were improved and worsening symptoms for depression and cognitive status between the baseline and follow-up pandemic quarters.

Strengthening nursing homes' ability to sustain the 4Ms during a public health crisis is essential for providing quality care.