Converting threats from COVID-19 in long term care into opportunities for improvement

Abstract

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on long term care (LTC) have been published in the literature and experienced by residents, their support persons and nursing staff. The morbidity and mortality, as well as the threats of isolation and psychosocial distress continue. Both LTC residents and staff experience physiological and psychological impacts. Nurses can use the current threats produced by the pandemic to advocate for alternate models of care and reduced isolation for residents. The pandemic is an opportunity for nursing advocacy in LTC for shared governance and empowerment, involvement in policy development, and oversight in policy implementation. Nurses are presented with the opportunities for advocacy related to resources and reshaping the paradigm of residential care for older adults.