Lessons Learned for LTC homes

by | Apr 29, 2022 | News, Research

Science Table - COVID19 Advisory logo
Science Table - COVID19 Advisory logo
We are pleased to draw your attention to an important report that was recently published on behalf of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table. It contains important lessons learned for the LTC sector.

“Older adults living in Ontario’s long-term care (LTC) homes have experienced some of the most devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic:

– disproportionate deaths,

– prolonged isolation from family and essential caregivers

– reduced quality of life.”

Among the five critical lessons documented in this report, the first and third lessons learned are highly relevant to what we are doing with Social Robots:

#1: “Enhance the entry and retention of LTC home staff through the creation of more full-time positions, adequate staffing levels, and improvement of working conditions”

#3: “Maintain the ability for essential caregivers to have in-person access to the resident”

While these ‘lessons learned’ are not a surprise at this stage of the pandemic, it is important to transition from insights to action. Mindy, our social robot, can help improve staff morale and makes coming to work more innovative and fun. Training is fast, easy and enjoyable. Visiting with Mindy can connect residents with family, friends and with each other – augmenting times when staff are busy with other residents.
Caregivers Word Cloud
“Specifically, staffing levels need to be increased, working conditions substantially improved, along with enhanced training and opportunities for learning and growth.

The culture needs to move away from a focus on tasks to quality of life, a move that requires effective leadership.

PSW smiling at gentleman in wheelchair

Minty (green iPal) beside older female, seated (who is smiling and wearing a mask)

The pandemic has also brought to light the wide range of assistance provided to residents and staff by family and friends.

[This reinforces] the need for new and innovative ways to connect residents with family members and essential caregivers (in person and virtually) to reduce loneliness and isolation.

About the Science Table:

The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table is a group of scientific experts and health system leaders who evaluate and report on emerging evidence relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform Ontario’s response. Our mandate is to provide weekly summaries of relevant scientific evidence for the COVID-19 Health Coordination Table of the Province of Ontario, integrating information from existing scientific tables, Ontario’s universities and agencies, and the best global evidence.

To read the full 14-page report, please click this link: https://covid19-sciencetable.ca/sciencebrief/the-covid-19-pandemics-impact-on-long-term-care-homes-five-lessons-learned/

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