The Impact of COVID-19 on the Person-Centered Care Practices in Nursing Homes.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on long-term care residents, family, and staff. Nursing homes are facing persistent challenges such as staff shortage, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and staff experiencing mental health issues including burnout. COVID-19 precautions may have made implementing person-centered care (PCC) in nursing homes more difficult. This report provides a descriptive analysis of perceived COVID-19 impact on the PCC practice in nursing homes. Surveys (N = 379) were collected from 11 nursing homes across Georgia. PCC practice barriers include reduced choice for residents, staff anxiety related to COVID-19 precautions, increased prevalence of short-staffing, and expanded duties for direct care workers. Facilitators for PCC were also present and included staff engagement, the provision of mental health resources, supervisor support, and empowerment of staff. Applied practice and research to address these barriers and expand implementation of facilitators is needed.