How Has Covid-19 Affected Depression Levels in Long-term Care Facility Residents?

How Has Covid-19 Affected Depression Levels in Long-term Care Facility Residents?

Presenter(s)

Caitlin Mae Sheridan, Audrey Elizabeth Steiert

Comments

Presentation: 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom

This project reflects research conducted as part of a course project designed to give students experience in the research process.

Course: MED 480

Description

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the most common mental health disorder for people over the age of 60, affecting more than 15% of that population (Egeljić-Mihailović et al., 2021). Social participation, which is defined as “connecting with people and the community,” is one of many factors that helps to prevent depression (Egeljić-Mihailović et al., 2021). During the Covid-19 pandemic, long-term care facilities for the elderly took safety measures to slow the spread of the virus, including limiting visitors and suspending residential activities (Levere et al., 2021). As caregivers in long-term care facilities during the pandemic, we observed changes in residents’ behaviors and attitudes while they were isolated in their rooms. Several studies conducted during this time period showed that the increased isolation and lowered social participation led to increased depressive symptoms (Abbasi, 2021; Levere et al., 2021). According to Levere et al., the prevalence of depressive symptoms in nursing home residents increased by 15% compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic (2021). To help decrease the loneliness of residents while still following safety protocols, Joyce Simard and Ladislav Volicer suggest having family members and friends stay in touch with residents virtually and providing residents with in-room activities (2020). The purpose of this poster is to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of long-term care facility residents and to highlight suggestions that might lessen the risk of depression during the times of isolation.

Publication Date

4-20-2022

Project Designation

Course Project

Primary Advisor

Marylynn B. Herchline

Primary Advisor's Department

Premedical Programs

Keywords

Stander Symposium project, College of Arts and Sciences

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being

How Has Covid-19 Affected Depression Levels in Long-term Care Facility Residents?

Share

COinS