The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the social health of nursing home residents with dementia due to social isolation. Consequently, the frequency of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD) might increase. Technological solutions might help safeguard the social health of nursing home residents with dementia. This study investigates the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical outcomes and the availability of social activities and technology to promote social participation in nursing home residents with dementia. The study analyzed cross-sectional data from a follow-up questionnaire nested in a larger national survey of care facilities in Germany. A mixed-methods approach integrated statistical analyses of closed-ended responses and thematic analysis of free-text responses. A total of 417 valid individual responses were received, showing an overall increase in observed BPSD—with anxiety and depression most frequently occurring. Many nursing homes canceled all social activities for residents with dementia, though a few had established procedures to facilitate social participation using technology. Requirements to promote social participation in this population using technology were identified at the micro-, meso-, and macro levels. Technology requirements permeated all three levels. During and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, technology-driven solutions to promote social health among nursing home residents with dementia should be integrated into caregiving procedures.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, social isolation, Dementia, nursing homes, Social participation, digital accessibility, social technology, 【초록키워드】 Anxiety, Depression, cross-sectional, COVID-19 pandemic, technology, Clinical outcome, activity, Health, Germany, response, Impact, Follow-up, Care, questionnaire, Frequency, statistical analysis, thematic analysis, help, National, responses, approach, analyzed, facilitate, promote, increase in, impacted, Requirement, 【제목키워드】 technology, resident, Participation, Nursing, role, home,