Key Messages

• Infection control measures put in place to protect residents of long-term care (LTC) homes from COVID-19 have had a major impact on their social connectedness.
• Research evidence shows that, among people living in LTC homes, social connectedness is associated with mental health outcomes including depression, cognitive decline and responsive behaviours.
• Research evidence suggests strategies that might help to build and maintain social connectedness for LTC residents, including some that might be adapted in the context of COVID-19.

Keywords

• Long-term care homes
• Nursing homes
• Mental health
• Social relationships
• Social support
• Social networks
• Social engagement
• Loneliness

Author(s)

• Nominated Principal Applicant: Jennifer Bethell, KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network
• Bethell, Jennifer (KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network)
• Babineau, Jessica (KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network)
• Bretzlaff, Monica (Behavioural Supports Ontario)
• Edwards, Cathleen (Family Councils Ontario)
• Gibson, Josie-Lee (Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils)
• Hewitt Colborne, Debbie (Behavioural Supports Ontario)
• Iaboni, Andrea (KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network)
• Lender, Dee (Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils)
• McGilton, Katherine (KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network)
• Schon, Denise (Lakeside LTC Family Council)
• Viau Aelick, Katelynn (Behavioural Supports Ontario)

For more information, please contact: Jennifer Bethell, Jennifer.bethell@uhn.ca.

Related Syntheses

• The GID-COVID Project: Gender and Intervention in Addiction with Individuals in Situations of Social Precarity in the Context of a Pandemic
• School-Based Suicide Risk Assessment Using eHealth: A Scoping Review
• Securing Safe Supply During COVID-19 and Beyond: Scoping Review and Knowledge Mobilization

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Population

Chronic Disease and/or Mental Illness, Aging

Language

To ensure the rapid dissemination of this critical information, information is published in the language in which it was submitted. Please contact us for French or English translations.