Promise, Provision, and Potential: A Hopeful Trajectory for Spiritual Care in Long-Term Care

This Canadian study aimed to better understand the provision of spiritual care in long-term care homes, its purpose/importance, the role of a spiritual care provider (SCP)/chaplain, effective practices, and challenges. Online survey responses revealed the need for spiritual care and the robust role of SCPs. Recommendations are made for more consistent employ and integration of SCPs, supported by sector-specific training and a system to connect LTC homes with skilled SCPs.

Spiritual Care in Ontario Long-Term Care: Current Staffing Realities and Recommendations

How are spiritual needs addressed in long-term care? This quantitative study explored the level of spiritual care offered and qualifications of spiritual care providers in 177 LTC homes in Ontario. Data showed 49% of homes employ Spiritual Care Providers (SCPs), with more positions in urban and not-for-profit homes. Findings revealed SCPs bring a substantial skill set, attending to needs of residents, families and team members. More consistent staffing for spiritual care provision across the sector is recommended.

Impact of COVID‐19 on family care partners of persons with dementia in long‐term care settings in Canada: Not a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ story

Background

COVID‐19 has been devastating for older adults, particularly residents in long‐term care/retirement (LTC) homes. In an effort to curb the transmission of COVID‐19, public health measures have been put in place in many LTC homes, including mask wearing, physical distancing, and visitor restrictions. As the pandemic passes the one‐year mark, we are starting to understand the profound impacts of COVID‐19 and the corresponding public health measures on persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their family care partners (CPs). This research is part of a larger study exploring the impact of COVID‐19 on the wellbeing and social connections of PLWD and CPs. In this presentation, findings from qualitative interviews conducted with CPs of PLWD in LTC homes are shared.

Methods

The overall study used an intrinsic case study design, involving survey and interview data. Following completion of a survey, participants were invited to participate in an in‐depth qualitative interview. Interviews were conducted by phone or online, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Eighteen CPs were interviewed. The impact of visitor restrictions varied between LTC homes and changed over the course of the pandemic, which was extremely challenging for CPs. At homes with visitor restrictions, the inability to visit family members with dementia was described as stressful, unfair, and frustrating. CPs stressed the importance of being able to visit their relatives, and ensuring their family members had regular social interaction to support their physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Even when CPs could visit, masks and physical distancing made communication with some PLWD challenging. Visitor policies also influenced perceptions of care. Some CPs felt that the needs of their family members with dementia were being met by the home, while others weren’t sure because CPs weren’t in the homes to assist staff and provide support to their family members with dementia.

Conclusion

While COVID‐19 and the pandemic restrictions have been difficult for all CPs of persons with dementia in LTC, for some it has been agonizing. Understanding these varied experiences can help inform the development of individually‐tailored resources to better support the wellbeing of CPs.

In Their Own Words: How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Well-Being of Persons Living with Dementia in the Community

COVID-19 has had a devasting impact on older adults in Canada, including persons living with dementia. This intrinsic case study sought to understand the perceptions of persons living with dementia regarding how COVID-19 has impacted their well-being. Ten persons living with dementia participated in in-depth qualitative interviews about their experience with COVID-19. Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (1) expressing current and future concerns; (2) social connections and isolation; (3) adapting to change and resilience through engagement and hope; and (4) we're not all the same: reflecting individual experiences of the pandemic. Results highlight that while COVID-19 contributed to isolation, concerns, and frustrations, persons with dementia also demonstrated adaptation and resilience. This study reinforced that persons with dementia and their responses to challenges are unique. Therefore, interventions to support persons with dementia must also be individualized to each person's abilities and circumstances.