Marcia Fearn1, Robin Harper1, Georgia Major1, Sunil Bhar2, Christina Bryant3, Briony Dow1,3,4, David Dunt3, George Mnatzaganian5, Daniel O'Connor6, Julie Ratcliffe7, Sarah Samuel8, Anne Marie Bagnall9, Colleen Doyle1,2. 1. Aged Care Division, National Ageing Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. 2. Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia. 3. School Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. 4. School Nursing, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. 5. La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. 6. Faculty Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. 7. Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia. 8. School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia. 9. School of Health and Community Studies, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
Objectives: Residents in nursing homes are being isolated to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Many are prone to depression, anxiety and loneliness, and extra isolation leaves them vulnerable to compromised mental health. In this study, trained volunteers providing befriending for residents with symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness switched to remote befriending during COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to gauge volunteer perceptions of the switch. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to understand how switching to remote befriending impacted on volunteers and residents. A convenience sample of 18 participants responded to questions either in individual or group interviews. Results: Volunteers adapted their befriending visits, switching from face to face visits to remote options. The format was decided collaboratively. Hearing impairments hindered phone calls. Residents sometimes felt uncomfortable with digital technology but on the whole, the change to remote "visiting" was accepted.Conclusions: Further research is being conducted to gauge mental health outcomes for residents. Most volunteers and residents accepted the switch to remote befriending as better than no contact.Clinical implications: Volunteers can provide valuable support for residents living with social isolation during COVID-19. The format for social support needs to be decided collaboratively between volunteer and resident.
Objectives: Residents in nursing homes are being isolated to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Many are prone to depression, anxiety and loneliness, and extra isolation leaves them vulnerable to compromised mental health. In this study, trained volunteers providing befriending for residents with symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness switched to remote befriending during COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to gauge volunteer perceptions of the switch. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to understand how switching to remote befriending impacted on volunteers and residents. A convenience sample of 18 participants responded to questions either in individual or group interviews. Results: Volunteers adapted their befriending visits, switching from face to face visits to remote options. The format was decided collaboratively. Hearing impairments hindered phone calls. Residents sometimes felt uncomfortable with digital technology but on the whole, the change to remote "visiting" was accepted.Conclusions: Further research is being conducted to gauge mental health outcomes for residents. Most volunteers and residents accepted the switch to remote befriending as better than no contact.Clinical implications: Volunteers can provide valuable support for residents living with social isolation during COVID-19. The format for social support needs to be decided collaboratively between volunteer and resident.
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