Center for Excellence in Assisted Living CEAL@UNC

Advancing the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living through research, practice, and policy.

COVID-19

From Nursing Homes to Home Care: Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Direct Care Worker Transitions

Jun 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined over 8,000 direct care workers employed in residential or long-term care (LTC) communities from 2016-2018 and from 2020-2022 to examine workers' exits from LTC settings and if hazard pay mediated the impact of the pandemic. Worker exits were highest in 2020, but in 2021-2022, worker exits decreased relative to prepandemic numbers, and if workers did switch jobs, they were more likely to remain in healthcare relative to prepandemic. Hazard pay or other wage support policies did not have an effect on worker decisions to exit LTC during or after the pandemic.

From Nursing Homes to Home Care: Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Direct Care Worker Transitions

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined over 8,000 direct care workers employed in residential or long-term care (LTC) communities from 2016-2018 and from 2020-2022 to examine workers’ exits from LTC settings and if hazard pay mediated the impact of the pandemic. Worker exits were highest in 2020, but in 2021-2022, worker exits decreased relative to prepandemic numbers, and if workers did switch jobs, they were more likely to remain in healthcare relative to prepandemic. Hazard pay or other wage support policies did not have an effect on worker decisions to exit LTC during or after the pandemic.

Facility-Level Variation of Resident Loneliness in Assisted Living and Associated Organizational Context Factors: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

May 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This Canadian cross-sectional study used quarterly data (2017-2021) from the Resident Assessment Instrument - Home Care to assess AL resident loneliness and factors associated with loneliness. At the systems level, loneliness did not change during the course of pandemic, but levels did vary between communities. Factors associated with reducing loneliness at the community level include caregiver involvement, essential visitor policies, and video calls with volunteers/spiritual leaders.

Facility-Level Variation of Resident Loneliness in Assisted Living and Associated Organizational Context Factors: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This Canadian cross-sectional study used quarterly data (2017-2021) from the Resident Assessment Instrument – Home Care to assess AL resident loneliness and factors associated with loneliness. At the systems level, loneliness did not change during the course of pandemic, but levels did vary between communities. Factors associated with reducing loneliness at the community level include caregiver involvement, essential visitor policies, and video calls with volunteers/spiritual leaders.

Understanding the Experience of Employees in Assisted Living Facilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Case Study

Apr 1, 2025
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study involved interviews with 29 employees at an assisted living community in Oregon to assess challenges employees faced during the pandemic. The main theme that emerged was staff's need to balance "policing" residents, their families, and themselves to comply with state COVID-19-related policies, although this was often counter to their training. This issue often led to increased stress for employees, highlighting the need for policies that support AL staff during emergencies.

Understanding the Experience of Employees in Assisted Living Facilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Case Study

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study involved interviews with 29 employees at an assisted living community in Oregon to assess challenges employees faced during the pandemic. The main theme that emerged was staff’s need to balance “policing” residents, their families, and themselves to comply with state COVID-19-related policies, although this was often counter to their training. This issue often led to increased stress for employees, highlighting the need for policies that support AL staff during emergencies.

Health of the Pandemic: Dementia Paid Staff and Unpaid Caregiver Workforce in Congregate Care and Community Settings

Oct 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used questionnaires to capture the experiences of 182 paid staff and 148 unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia living in the community and long-term care settings across the US during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Paid staff were more likely to have been exposed, tested, hospitalized, or been ill with COVID-19 and had more medical and mental health services impacts than unpaid caregivers. Unpaid caregivers showed higher rates of depressive symptom severity and scored lower for hope than paid staff, showing disparate negative impacts from COVID-related stressors.

Health of the Pandemic: Dementia Paid Staff and Unpaid Caregiver Workforce in Congregate Care and Community Settings

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used questionnaires to capture the experiences of 182 paid staff and 148 unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia living in the community and long-term care settings across the US during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Paid staff were more likely to have been exposed, tested, hospitalized, or been ill with COVID-19 and had more medical and mental health services impacts than unpaid caregivers. Unpaid caregivers showed higher rates of depressive symptom severity and scored lower for hope than paid staff, showing disparate negative impacts from COVID-related stressors.

Wastewater-Based Surveillance Reveals the Effectiveness of the First COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns in Assisted Living Facilities

Sep 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the impacts of non-pharmaceutical interventions and mass vaccination campaigns in 4 AL communities in Arizona to understand the effects of different interventions against COVID-19 in this setting. Using wastewater surveillance, large-scale vaccination campaigns were found to reduce the viral load in three of the four communities.

Wastewater-Based Surveillance Reveals the Effectiveness of the First COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns in Assisted Living Facilities

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the impacts of non-pharmaceutical interventions and mass vaccination campaigns in 4 AL communities in Arizona to understand the effects of different interventions against COVID-19 in this setting. Using wastewater surveillance, large-scale vaccination campaigns were found to reduce the viral load in three of the four communities.

Associations between Specialized Dementia Care, COVID-19 and Central Nervous System Medication Use in Assisted Living: A Population-Based Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Aug 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between AL setting (general or memory care), COVID-19 waves, and drug use among residents with dementia in Alberta between 2018-2021. In waves 2-4, antipsychotic drug use increased in all AL communities, but in waves 3 and 4, this was more pronounced in dementia care units. Other drug type uses were similar, although gabapentinoid usage increased for dementia care residents only.

Associations between Specialized Dementia Care, COVID-19 and Central Nervous System Medication Use in Assisted Living: A Population-Based Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between AL setting (general or memory care), COVID-19 waves, and drug use among residents with dementia in Alberta between 2018-2021. In waves 2-4, antipsychotic drug use increased in all AL communities, but in waves 3 and 4, this was more pronounced in dementia care units. Other drug type uses were similar, although gabapentinoid usage increased for dementia care residents only.

Family Involvement among Oregon Adult Foster Home Residents, 2018-2023

Aug 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used cross-sectional data from 2017-2022 from Adult Foster Homes (AFHs) in Oregon to examine trends in family involvement and home and resident characteristics. Data showed declines in familial social visits and help with appointments in 2021/22 following COVID-19, but by 2023 social visits were back to pre-pandemic levels. However, there was less familial support in going on outings and getting to medical appointments, and there were disparities in that rural and Medicaid AFHs had less family support for residents in all areas. The continued decline in medical appointment and outings support presents concerns for resident socio-emotional well-being.

Family Involvement among Oregon Adult Foster Home Residents, 2018-2023

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used cross-sectional data from 2017-2022 from Adult Foster Homes (AFHs) in Oregon to examine trends in family involvement and home and resident characteristics. Data showed declines in familial social visits and help with appointments in 2021/22 following COVID-19, but by 2023 social visits were back to pre-pandemic levels. However, there was less familial support in going on outings and getting to medical appointments, and there were disparities in that rural and Medicaid AFHs had less family support for residents in all areas. The continued decline in medical appointment and outings support presents concerns for resident socio-emotional well-being.

Comparison of Hospitalization Events among Residents of Assisted Living and Nursing Homes during COVID-19: Do Settings Respond Differently during Public Health Crises?

Jul 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study compared hospitalization events in nursing homes (NHs) and AL communities in Alberta across 4 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. In both NHs and AL communities, hospitalizations decreased during waves 1 and 4, and both showed increased hospitalizations with death during wave 2, although the increase was larger in AL communities. Unlike AL communities, NHs had increased hospitalizations with delayed discharge during and after wave 1.

Comparison of Hospitalization Events among Residents of Assisted Living and Nursing Homes during COVID-19: Do Settings Respond Differently during Public Health Crises?

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional study compared hospitalization events in nursing homes (NHs) and AL communities in Alberta across 4 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. In both NHs and AL communities, hospitalizations decreased during waves 1 and 4, and both showed increased hospitalizations with death during wave 2, although the increase was larger in AL communities. Unlike AL communities, NHs had increased hospitalizations with delayed discharge during and after wave 1.

Excess Deaths in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Alberta, Canada

May 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used health records from residents in publicly funded AL communities and nursing homes (NHs) in Alberta, Canada from 2017 to 2021 to examine excess deaths during the first two years of the pandemic. Excess deaths were higher in AL communities compared to NHs, especially during weeks identified as pandemic waves (i.e., a surge in COVID-19 infections). The risk of excess death was also greater among residents with dementia or significant cognitive impairment in both AL communities and NHs.

Excess Deaths in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Alberta, Canada

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used health records from residents in publicly funded AL communities and nursing homes (NHs) in Alberta, Canada from 2017 to 2021 to examine excess deaths during the first two years of the pandemic. Excess deaths were higher in AL communities compared to NHs, especially during weeks identified as pandemic waves (i.e., a surge in COVID-19 infections). The risk of excess death was also greater among residents with dementia or significant cognitive impairment in both AL communities and NHs.

Public Health Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Assisted Living Facilities in New York State: March 2020-December 2022

May 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This narrative review examined New York state regulation and guidance related to COVID-19 in AL communities from March 2020 to December 2022. Early in the pandemic, strict lockdowns were put in place; then, the vaccine was authorized and implemented during phased reopening of communities. About 90% of New York AL residents were vaccinated by early 2021. As communities reopened, booster shots were required to keep residents protected, especially with new COVID-19 variants. These regulatory efforts were crucial in keeping vulnerable AL residents safe, but they led to social isolation and other psychological impacts; this highlights the complexity of AL regulatory responses in emergency situations.

Public Health Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Assisted Living Facilities in New York State: March 2020-December 2022

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This narrative review examined New York state regulation and guidance related to COVID-19 in AL communities from March 2020 to December 2022. Early in the pandemic, strict lockdowns were put in place; then, the vaccine was authorized and implemented during phased reopening of communities. About 90% of New York AL residents were vaccinated by early 2021. As communities reopened, booster shots were required to keep residents protected, especially with new COVID-19 variants. These regulatory efforts were crucial in keeping vulnerable AL residents safe, but they led to social isolation and other psychological impacts; this highlights the complexity of AL regulatory responses in emergency situations.

The Impact of Assisted Living Organizational Structure and Process Characteristics on Staff Absence During COVID-19

Apr 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: In 129 Florida AL communities, higher staff absences due to fear of infection, sickness, or family responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic were statistically significantly associated with provision of memory care services; care processes (challenges hiring new staff, staff sent home to comply with COVID-19 precautions, and staff anxiety); and local COVID-19 infection rates.

The Impact of Assisted Living Organizational Structure and Process Characteristics on Staff Absence During COVID-19

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: In 129 Florida AL communities, higher staff absences due to fear of infection, sickness, or family responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic were statistically significantly associated with provision of memory care services; care processes (challenges hiring new staff, staff sent home to comply with COVID-19 precautions, and staff anxiety); and local COVID-19 infection rates.

Assisted Living Residents with Dementia: Disparities in Mental Health Services Pre and During COVID-19

Apr 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: The in-person and telehealth mental health visits of over 102,000 Medicare beneficiaries living with ADRD in 13,400 AL communities were analyzed using CMS data from 2019 and 2020. Use of these services is low in this population, but it was found that Black residents and those with dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility were significantly less likely to use these services pre-, and during, the COVID-19 pandemic; however, there were no significant differences in visits via telemedicine (vs. in-person) for any racial or ethnic group or dual eligibles.

Assisted Living Residents with Dementia: Disparities in Mental Health Services Pre and During COVID-19

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: The in-person and telehealth mental health visits of over 102,000 Medicare beneficiaries living with ADRD in 13,400 AL communities were analyzed using CMS data from 2019 and 2020. Use of these services is low in this population, but it was found that Black residents and those with dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility were significantly less likely to use these services pre-, and during, the COVID-19 pandemic; however, there were no significant differences in visits via telemedicine (vs. in-person) for any racial or ethnic group or dual eligibles.

Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions on Physical Activity in Assisted Living

Apr 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Interviews with 7 participants from one South Carolina AL community revealed overall reduced levels of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key barriers to physical activity included health issues, resource limitations (e.g., gyms being closed), and negative physical activity experiences (e.g., being required to wear a mask during exercise).

Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions on Physical Activity in Assisted Living

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Interviews with 7 participants from one South Carolina AL community revealed overall reduced levels of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key barriers to physical activity included health issues, resource limitations (e.g., gyms being closed), and negative physical activity experiences (e.g., being required to wear a mask during exercise).

Psychotropic, Anticonvulsant, and Opioid Use in Assisted Living Residents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Oct 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Administrative data from 256 assisted living communities in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic found that during waves 2 to 4, antipsychotic use increased, (significantly more for dementia care residents), and that anticonvulsant use increased for assisted living (but not dementia care) residents. Additionally, there was an increase in antidepressant use and a decrease in benzodiazepine use for both assisted living and dementia care residents. The persistence of a pandemic-associated increase in these medications raises concerns about well-established health and wellbeing impacts for residents.

Psychotropic, Anticonvulsant, and Opioid Use in Assisted Living Residents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Administrative data from 256 assisted living communities in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic found that during waves 2 to 4, antipsychotic use increased, (significantly more for dementia care residents), and that anticonvulsant use increased for assisted living (but not dementia care) residents. Additionally, there was an increase in antidepressant use and a decrease in benzodiazepine use for both assisted living and dementia care residents. The persistence of a pandemic-associated increase in these medications raises concerns about well-established health and wellbeing impacts for residents.

Effect of Quarantine on Body Weight Among Residents of Assisted Living Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sep 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 40% of 53 assisted living residents who had been in room quarantine experienced significant weight loss; men had a greater risk of significant weight loss than women. If quarantine is used for future epidemics, weight should be monitored and reported to avoid negative health outcomes associated with rapid weight loss.

Effect of Quarantine on Body Weight Among Residents of Assisted Living Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 40% of 53 assisted living residents who had been in room quarantine experienced significant weight loss; men had a greater risk of significant weight loss than women. If quarantine is used for future epidemics, weight should be monitored and reported to avoid negative health outcomes associated with rapid weight loss.

Barriers to Infection Prevention and Control in Long-term Care/Assisted Living Settings in British Columbia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Aug 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of over 1,300 health care workers and infection prevention and control (IPAC) professionals in British Columbia found that healthcare workers in long-term care/assisted living experienced more barriers following IPAC recommendations compared to those in acute care. Barriers included that IPAC was lower priority compared to other tasks; not their responsibility; that there were limited personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and cleaning/disinfection products; deficits in IPAC leadership and support; limited IPAC education and training; and limited patient care knowledge for managing COVID-19 infections.

Barriers to Infection Prevention and Control in Long-term Care/Assisted Living Settings in British Columbia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of over 1,300 health care workers and infection prevention and control (IPAC) professionals in British Columbia found that healthcare workers in long-term care/assisted living experienced more barriers following IPAC recommendations compared to those in acute care. Barriers included that IPAC was lower priority compared to other tasks; not their responsibility; that there were limited personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and cleaning/disinfection products; deficits in IPAC leadership and support; limited IPAC education and training; and limited patient care knowledge for managing COVID-19 infections.

Comparing Quality of Care Outcomes Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jul 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used Resident Assessment Instrument data from 2017-2021 in Alberta to examine quality indicator differences between assisted living and nursing home residents (over 2,000 assisted living and about 13,000 nursing home residents per quarter). Antipsychotic use and pain rates were consistently higher in assisted living, while depressive symptoms, dependency, restraint use, delirium, and weight loss were consistently higher in nursing homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, antipsychotic use increased in both settings, and total dependency increased in assisted living.

Comparing Quality of Care Outcomes Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used Resident Assessment Instrument data from 2017-2021 in Alberta to examine quality indicator differences between assisted living and nursing home residents (over 2,000 assisted living and about 13,000 nursing home residents per quarter). Antipsychotic use and pain rates were consistently higher in assisted living, while depressive symptoms, dependency, restraint use, delirium, and weight loss were consistently higher in nursing homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, antipsychotic use increased in both settings, and total dependency increased in assisted living.

Primary Care Telemedicine Use among Assisted Living Residents with Dementia during COVID-19: Race and Dual Enrollment Status

May 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used Medicare and CDC datasets to examine telemedicine primary care among 62,000 AL residents with dementia during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). During the first three quarters of the pandemic, racially minoritized groups (Black, Hispanic) and Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibles were able to successfully use telemedicine at high rates. Gaps in primary care access between these groups and others (white, non-Medicaid eligible) were reduced due to telemedicine. This could inform CMS decisions about Medicare coverage for telemedicine primary care.

Primary Care Telemedicine Use among Assisted Living Residents with Dementia during COVID-19: Race and Dual Enrollment Status

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used Medicare and CDC datasets to examine telemedicine primary care among 62,000 AL residents with dementia during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). During the first three quarters of the pandemic, racially minoritized groups (Black, Hispanic) and Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibles were able to successfully use telemedicine at high rates. Gaps in primary care access between these groups and others (white, non-Medicaid eligible) were reduced due to telemedicine. This could inform CMS decisions about Medicare coverage for telemedicine primary care.

Caregiver Involvement and Concerns with Care of Residents of Assisted Living Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Apr 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A survey about AL family caregiver experiences in Western Canada was conducted before and during waves one (Mar to Jun 2020) and two (Oct 2020 to Feb 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 386 family caregivers representing 110 AL communities participated. In-person visits and caregiver involvement decreased significantly during wave one of the pandemic due to visitor restrictions. Caregivers’ concerns about their relatives significantly increased during both waves, especially when they did not feel well-informed or involved in their relative’s care.

Caregiver Involvement and Concerns with Care of Residents of Assisted Living Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A survey about AL family caregiver experiences in Western Canada was conducted before and during waves one (Mar to Jun 2020) and two (Oct 2020 to Feb 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 386 family caregivers representing 110 AL communities participated. In-person visits and caregiver involvement decreased significantly during wave one of the pandemic due to visitor restrictions. Caregivers’ concerns about their relatives significantly increased during both waves, especially when they did not feel well-informed or involved in their relative’s care.

Preparedness and Response of Assisted Living Facilities Toward COVID-19 Infection Control in Houston, Texas, USA

Feb 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: The Houston Health Department conducted onsite assessments at AL communities to assess infection prevention and control practices. Larger AL communities better implemented CDC guidelines and were more proactive in their COVID-19 response activities. For example, many medium and small communities lacked access to COVID-19 PCR testing and had lower resident vaccination rates.

Preparedness and Response of Assisted Living Facilities Toward COVID-19 Infection Control in Houston, Texas, USA

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: The Houston Health Department conducted onsite assessments at AL communities to assess infection prevention and control practices. Larger AL communities better implemented CDC guidelines and were more proactive in their COVID-19 response activities. For example, many medium and small communities lacked access to COVID-19 PCR testing and had lower resident vaccination rates.

Digital Immunization Tracking in Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities

Feb 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Vaccines are a part of the solution to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19, but not everyone is getting them, especially older adults. In a Canadian study, pneumonia vaccine uptake was improved by providing assisted living and long-term care communities with vaccine coverage data and providing automatic reminders for subsequent doses. Therefore, a cloud-based digital vaccination record is one solution to promote the uptake of adult vaccines for older adults, as well as tracking immunization records and sharing them with policymaking organizations. This can improve communication and inform policymakers to reduce the risk of infection in AL communities.

Digital Immunization Tracking in Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Vaccines are a part of the solution to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19, but not everyone is getting them, especially older adults. In a Canadian study, pneumonia vaccine uptake was improved by providing assisted living and long-term care communities with vaccine coverage data and providing automatic reminders for subsequent doses. Therefore, a cloud-based digital vaccination record is one solution to promote the uptake of adult vaccines for older adults, as well as tracking immunization records and sharing them with policymaking organizations. This can improve communication and inform policymakers to reduce the risk of infection in AL communities.

Coping Behaviors and Health Status during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Caregivers of Assisted Living Residents in Western Canada

Dec 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Surveys from 673 assisted living direct caregivers revealed that coping behaviors such as alcohol and smoking/cannabis use, and psychotropic drug use increased during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and were more common among caregivers who had anxiety or depression symptoms before the pandemic. These caregivers are thus particularly vulnerable to negative coping behaviors during stressful events and may require additional support.

Coping Behaviors and Health Status during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Caregivers of Assisted Living Residents in Western Canada

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Surveys from 673 assisted living direct caregivers revealed that coping behaviors such as alcohol and smoking/cannabis use, and psychotropic drug use increased during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and were more common among caregivers who had anxiety or depression symptoms before the pandemic. These caregivers are thus particularly vulnerable to negative coping behaviors during stressful events and may require additional support.

Excess Mortality Among Assisted Living Residents with Dementia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Oct 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Data from over 560,000 Medicare recipients revealed that residents with dementia experienced 33.4 more excess deaths per 100,000 compared to those without dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents in memory care communities did not have significantly different mortality rates compared to those in general assisted living settings.

Excess Mortality Among Assisted Living Residents with Dementia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Data from over 560,000 Medicare recipients revealed that residents with dementia experienced 33.4 more excess deaths per 100,000 compared to those without dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents in memory care communities did not have significantly different mortality rates compared to those in general assisted living settings.