Involve Residents to Ensure Person-Centered Nursing Home Care During Crises Like the COVID-19 Outbreak

Nursing homes aim to provide person-centered care and recognize residents as unique individuals with their own histories, life goals, and preferences. The life expectancy of nursing home residents is rather limited. Nursing homes have been hit hard by COVID-19 because of an increased risk of death and a total nursing home lockdown from March 19 until the end of May 2020. Although social relationships are a basic human need and the fulfillment of social needs is essential for both physical and mental health, nursing home residents were no longer allowed to meet their loved ones. This decision was taken without involving residents and their loved ones and without considering the psychosocial impact of such measures for residents and their loved ones. When visitors were again allowed in the nursing homes, this was valued highly. To enable decent decision-making, we call both the government and nursing homes to involve residents and their families in decision-making. It is essential to know how residents weigh the risk of a COVID-19 infection and the possible implication of them opposing social isolation. We have to adapt to a new common and need to stop talking about residents and their loved ones and start talking with them.