How Nursing Communities Are Curbing Loneliness During COVID-19

Verywell Health reports that staffers at nursing communities in the United States are doing more to counter loneliness and encourage resident engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network has helped nursing community staff members share best practices on a wide range of activities. They have devised innovations for keeping residents engaged, including family visits through windows and video calls. The organization also had masked staffers wear name tags that include facial photos. With gathering for meals suspended, "snacktivities" — where residents meet in their doorways while staffers deliver snacks door-to-door — have gained favor. Music also is helping to keep residents engaged and connected, and many communities have brought in piano or organ players or string quartets instead of performers who sing or play a wind instrument. It is further recommended that personnel ask residents what they miss doing before the pandemic and then attempt to create an individualized plan of care around those activities.