Challenges and Strategies to Adapt the Provision of Support Services to Older Adults and Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Perspective of Community Organizations.
Can J Aging
; : 1-13, 2021 Nov 02.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1492952
ABSTRACT
This study documented the provision of services and issues experienced by community organizations supporting older adults and caregivers in the province of Quebec during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as promising strategies to adapt the provision of services in this context. A cross-sectional electronic survey using open- and closed-ended questions was conducted in July 2020. Almost three-quarters of the 307 respondents (71.4%) reported having maintained services at least partially throughout the lockdown, and the majority (85.3%) adapted their services. Among key challenges, participants reported difficulties identifying and supporting older adults at greater risk of vulnerability (54.8%), managing health risks for service users (60.2%), and recruiting volunteers (59.5%). Promising strategies included strategies to reach out to older adults and understand their needs (e.g., systematic phone calls) in addition to direct interventions supporting them (e.g., activities promoting social ties); implementing prevention and protection measures; accessing and using technologies; human resources management (e.g., recruiting new volunteers); finding financial support for their organization; developing intersectoral partnerships (e.g., multisectoral crisis cell); and promoting a positive view of older adults. The integration of multiple perspectives from different stakeholders may help identify strategies potentially transferable to other crises in order to meet older adults' needs.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
/
Systematic review/Meta Analysis
Language:
English
Journal:
Can J Aging
Journal subject:
Geriatrics
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S0714980821000507
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