Challenges Facing Canadian Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 exposed long-standing systemic challenges experienced by congregate settings and created a crisis for long-term care homes (LTCHs) and retirement homes (RHs). This study explored the pandemic-related challenges LTCHs and RHs faced and the strategies they used to mitigate them.

Method

Ninety-one key informant interviews were held with LTCH and RH leadership across 47 homes (33 LTCHs, 14 RHs) in Ontario, Canada from February 2021 to July 2022. Data were analyzed following the framework method.

Results

Findings confirmed evidence of three main challenges. First, leaders were challenged to implement infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols and measures. Second, leaders required supports to facilitate COVID-19 vaccine access and to promote vacc

SUBMITTER: Fahim C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12646696 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature