The Impact of COVID-19 on Francophone and other Minority Language Groups Living in Long-term Care or Receiving Home Care

To be able to live independently and safely, older adults depend on support from publicly funded home care and others live in long-term care (LTC) homes where they receive 24/7 board and care. These individuals have been especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many home care clients and LTC residents are members of minority groups, which compounds their vulnerability. Past research has shown that during the pandemic, there have been inequities in the healthcare and outcomes of ethnocultural minorities and marginalized populations, such as immigrants and ethnic minorities. An additional vulnerability for minority groups is the potential impact of linguistic barriers in accessing health care services; negative impacts that has been noted prior to the pandemic. To date, no studies, however, have examined the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Francophones and other linguistic minority groups receiving home care or residing in LTC homes. This study will use administrative data to 1) describe and compare the sociodemographic characteristics and health services of linguistic groups (Anglophones, Francophones, and allophones) receiving home care or residing in LTC homes; 2) evaluate and compare the quality of care received by each linguistic group of LTC residents and home care recipients during the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic; 3) measure and compare COVID-19 outcomes by linguistic group among LTC residents and home care recipients; and 4) identify what factors contribute to COVID-19 outcomes among minority linguistic groups. Information about COVID-19 outcomes for LTC residents and home care recipients is critical for the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this project will help to inform strategies to address inequities in Ontario's health care system - particularly among linguistic minorities.