Assessment of depression and anxiety in residents of a continuing care retirement community during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine

ABSTRACT

Purpose of Study During the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Louisiana implemented a quarantine to decrease the risk of infection. This situation led to a decrease in social interaction which is a risk factor for anxiety and depression, among the elderly population confined in residences. The objective was to determine whether being quarantined while living in a residential community would negatively affect the mental health of the elderly. Methods Used A short longitudinal assessment and analysis to assess anxiety and depression. Data was initially collected, then at 6 weeks, and 12 weeks during the quarantine. We used the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) as these screening tools are designed for the elderly, to assess the incidence and severity during the quarantine. Summary of Results 57 residents of a Continuous Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the New Orleans metropolitan area, stratified as nursing home residents, assisted living, and independent living of a 37 (80%) of the 46 patients were females, with a mean age of 86.1 (SD 9.1) years old;25 (54.3%) were nursing home residents, 13 (28.3%) were in assisted living, and 8 (17.4%) were in an independent living community. 16 (34.8%) patients were diagnosed with depression before taking the survey, and five (10.9%) had previously diagnosed anxiety. Anxiety scores decreased significantly from baseline (average 4.35 vs. 3.28, p-value =0.045) at 6 weeks but did not change from time 0 to week 12 or week 6 to week 12. Depression, scores did not change significantly between the time periods. Conclusions Our data indicate a trend toward an increase in depression and anxiety during periods of pandemic quarantine isolation. Because the elderly are particularly susceptible to loneliness and resulting depression assessing these indicators may help mitigate the economic burden and cognitive decline resulting from the complications of depression and anxiety in the elderly population residing in community centers during periods of unanticipated extended quarantine isolation.