Impact of COVID-19 on the health and psychosocial status of vulnerable older Māori and Pacific people living in the community and aged residential care

Older adults and especially older Māori and Pacific populations are the most at-risk group for COVID-19 infection. Self-isolation and lockdown restrictions are likely to affect both formal and informal care, which could lead to loneliness, depression, accelerated functional and cognitive decline, and falls. interRAI is a comprehensive geriatric assessment mandated for all older New Zealanders assessed for publicly funded home support services and aged residential care. Family involvement is particularly important for Māori and Pacific people who are generally inclusive and have a strong obligation to care for others. Therefore, COVID-19 self-isolation and strict visiting policies in aged residential care could have a larger impact on older Māori and Pacific people. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the health and psychosocial well-being amongst older Māori and Pacific people who have had an interRAI assessment in the year after COVID-19.