COVID: Investigating Distress in LTC

Crown Point, IN — During the COVID-19 lockdown, LTC patient residents were presented with an array of unique stressors, including isolation and loss of access to medical health services. GuideStar Eldercare and its affiliate company, Vanguard Eldercare, undertook a study to measure the change in incoming urgent and emergent patient phone care requests as a valid proxy for patient distress.

This study indicated a statistically significant increase in these phone calls during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown: weekly calls increased by 59%. Call volumes declined as we were able to reestablish care though combined onsite and telehealth care.

The findings from this study were presented at the 2020 Alzheimer's Association International Conference®.