Researchers have suggested that “care continuity” provided to nursing home residents may significantly affect residents’ anxiety in certain circumstances. Data has indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic took a serious toll on the mental health of nursing homes and long-term care residents. This is no surprise as many residents were isolated and surrounded by death and disease. However, a publication made by the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association has contradicted this COVID-19 mental health data among residents.
Pandemic data collected from 1,149 nursing home residents were analyzed. Findings revealed that anxiety levels increased pre and post-pandemic. “Individual-related factors” such as the prescription of antipsychotic medications and diagnoses of mental illness (ex: OCD, bipolar disorder) increased anxiety levels. Yet, residents already treated with medication for anxiety symptoms before the pandemic did show a decrease in anxiety levels during and post-pandemic. Residents with OCD experienced worsening symptoms and going forward will need monitored treatment during major events.
Overall, Savannah Rose, M.S. says results of this COVID-19 mental health nursing home study showed that using a combination of “treatment variables” such as checking the seriousness of residents’ symptoms, prescribing medications, and diagnosing mental illness is more beneficial than strictly analyzing residents’ symptoms. Furthermore, nursing homes and long-term care facilities should strive to make “care continuity” their top priority.
Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
Please check in with your family members or friends residing at their nursing home facility to make sure they are receiving the proper care that they deserve. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse and /or neglect, please reach out to our team of trial lawyers at Dougherty, Leventhal & Price, L.L.P. Our team will fight for you!!! Remember: Injury? Call DLP! (570) C-A-L-L-D-L-P.
Works Cited
Lasek, Alicia. “Care Continuity may ease residents’ severe anxiety during tough times.” McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, 5 April 2023, https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/care-continuity-may-have-eased-residents-anxiety-during-pandemic-study/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign. Accessed 6 April 2023.
