Beyond Demographics: How Relationships Shape Visitation in Long-Term Care Settings

Despite frequent familial visits, loneliness remains high among long-term care (LTC) residents. Existing research on LTC visitation fails to distinguish care coordination from social visitation. These forms of interaction may have distinct barriers of engagement and impacts on residents. This study aimed to investigate barriers of care coordination versus social visitation. Participants were adults (N = 175) with a close friend or relative residing in a LTC facility. Participants were recruited via ResearchMatch and completed an online survey regarding their visitation in LTC facilities and relationship with the resident. Overall, care coordination and social visitation were distinct forms of visitation with contrasting predictors. Participants involved in LTC choice were significantly more involved in care coordination versus social visitation. Participants who were primary caregivers and closer to the LTC resident demonstrated significantly greater care coordination and social visitation. These findings provide preliminary evidence there are distinct barriers for care coordination versus social visitation.