The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of care home residents
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on care homes all over the UK. In the first of our investigations in this topic area, we plan to look at the lasting impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of people who have been living in care during COVID-19. For example, what robust evidence is there regarding patterns of worsening mental ill-health within care homes because of full lockdowns and other restrictions on social contact – whether in relation to anxiety, depression, loneliness or dementia? What are the challenges of coping with often greatly-reduced group activities, and what do we know of interventions being taken to address these challenges? Which initiatives are proving most effective in maintaining wellbeing and mental health? And given that most care home residents will soon have been vaccinated, what can be done to address the deteriorations in mental health that have been observed? If you are working in this area and would like to contribute to our policy discussions, please email us at ippo@ucl.ac.uk.