Social Health among German Nursing Home Residents with Dementia during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the Role of Technology to Promote Social Participation

Abstract

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.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in people with dementia without COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…During the pandemic, studies have reported difficulties in supplying people living with dementia sufficient medical care. People living with dementia at care homes have experienced varying levels of social isolation and decrease in mental stimuli [ 45 , 46 ]. Also home dwelling elderly with dementia and their care givers have reported loss of daily habits, loneliness and struggles to access regular health care [ 47 – 49 ].…”

Enrichment of dementia caregiving relationships through psychosocial interventions: A scoping review

“…Enrichment in interventions targeting formal caregiving relationships seems to require space dedicated to enabling social interactions beyond custodial care. Considerations such as protected time and explicit training on socially oriented care may be necessary (109)(110)(111) to allow positive relationships to emerge and grow. Interventions targeting informal dyads, on the other hand, may consider building on the dyads' shared history and sustain or enhance their caregiving relationship by including components that may circumvent the challenges that follow when living with dementia, such as emotional support, coping and management strategy training or dementia-friendly shared activities.…”

Sustaining Our Relationship: Dyadic Interactions Supported by Technology for People with Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers

“…An increasing area of interest in psychosocial interventions in dementia is digital technologies [ 26 , 27 ]. However, progress in technological interventions supporting relationships through interaction and communication for this population is still in its infancy [ 9 , 28 , 29 ]. For this study, we utilise the term ’social technology’, defined as “any technology that facilitates social interactions and influences social processes between people” [ 30 ] (p. 3).…”