The Impact of COVID-19 Measures on Well-Being of Older Long-Term Care Facility Residents in the Netherlands

Excess mortality for care home residents during the first 23 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in England: a national cohort study

“…This might suggest higher proportions of COVID-19-related excess deaths than reported [27] and that some deaths are potentially avoidable if initial care home outbreaks had been prevented. Although national lockdowns have the potential to displace care for care home residents with health conditions other than COVID-19, coupled with evidence of increases in mood and behavioural problems [28], our finding of no excess deaths in care homes without care home fatalities suggests that these issues may not impact mortality in the short run. Whether this type of excess mortality emerges in the longer-term in a subject for future research.…”

“…What prevention policies are optimal (e.g. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, staff cohorting, visitor restrictions, hospital discharge policies, limiting visiting professionals, tracing staff) [31] requires further research and dialogue with operators and public health experts [28]. Their efficacy depends upon the care home setting in which they are implemented and the behavioural responses of residents and staff.…”

Challenging behavior of nursing home residents during COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands

“…Negative effects on social health may explain why a Dutch study showed that, six to ten weeks after the initial quarantine measures, care staff reported an increase in severity of agitation, depression, anxiety, and irritability in residents (Van der Roest et al, 2020). In general, Dutch nursing homes predominantly have two types of units, those for residents with somatic illnesses and those for residents with dementia and dementia-like disorders.…”

“…In general, Dutch nursing homes predominantly have two types of units, those for residents with somatic illnesses and those for residents with dementia and dementia-like disorders. The increase in challenging behavior was reported more often by care staff in somatic care units than in dementia special care units (Van der Roest et al, 2020). However, five out of six people with dementia develop, throughout the course of the condition, such challenging behavior that is disruptive for both themselves and their environment (Abraha et al, 2017).…”

“…While Van der Roest et al (2020) analysed the views of care staff, family and residents without cognitive problems, our study analyzed the views of practitioners. Dutch nursing homes employ multidisciplinary teams consisting of the care staff, and practitioners such as a psychologist, and an elderly care physician (Koopmans, Pellegrom, & van der Geer, 2017).…”