The other pandemic : social isolation in long-term care facilities during COVID-19

Social Isolation (SI) and loneliness are a worldwide concern among those living within long-term care facilities (LTCFs). This major paper sheds light on how COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March of 2020, exacerbated SI and loneliness experienced by long-term care residents (LTCRs). Using a thematic review, recurrent themes and concepts were identified and analyzed under the frameworks of anti-oppressive and relational-cultural theory. Due to our ageing population and a need to ensure quality of life for those living longer, this topic is essential as SI is a health concern which results in multiple negative mental and physical health outcomes, including premature mortality. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in strict public health orders affecting LTCFs, LTCRs, and family members. These orders coincided with an increase in SI experienced by LTCRs who faced a lack of autonomy, personal agency and disconnection from family members who serve as social support and care providers for LTCRs. Furthermore, the media perpetuated ageist stereotypes of older adults as vulnerable and in need of protection, which influenced public health measures and access to medical care for LTCRs. These challenges were explored through a bioethical analysis. Interventions to combat SI among LTCRs were identified at micro, mezzo and macro levels. This topic has largely been approached from a micro perspective, focusing on individual interventions despite the widespread prevalence of SI and loneliness within Canadian and worldwide. Additional research on this nuanced and emerging topic requires a social justice lens, looking at the ageist and structural factors which perpetuate SI within society.