Préserver le lien des résidents en ESLD atteints de troubles cognitifs avec leurs proches en contexte de pandémie : évaluation de la mise en œuvre et des effets d'interventions virtuelles et en personnes

In Quebec, nearly 70% of deaths linked to COVID-19 are people living in long-term care establishments (ESLD). The restrictions imposed to reduce the transmission of the virus have deleterious effects on the elderly and consequences on caregivers. In order to mitigate the negative effects, different strategies are used to preserve contact with loved ones and thus promote protective actions for the mental and physical state of seniors. However, the evaluation of the implementation and effects of innovative interventions in the context of a pandemic in older adults with cognitive disorders have not been studied to date in Canada. In collaboration with 5 partner ESLDs, the goal of the project is to evaluate the implementation process, the viability and acceptability of interventions aimed at favoring the presence of loved ones (in person or virtually), as well as the effects on residents, their loved ones and related costs. An evaluative research design is preferred. A multiple case study will be used to describe the reality of the targeted environments and actors, understand the complex relationships between the different factors, and document the degree and variability of implementation in the different environments and their results. Residents with cognitive disorders, their caregivers and members of the care team will be recruited in each setting. Interventions to maintain contact with loved ones and supported by the living environment can mitigate the repercussions of isolation and have a considerable impact on anxiety, cognitive and behavioral symptoms and quality of life. By giving voice to elders, relatives and care staff, the documentation of acceptability will add evidence that adapted, humane interventions are viable and relevant in LTCFs.