In March 2020, stay-at-home orders were issued for the general population to limit the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, nursing homes restricted visitation to only non-essential personnel. At first, we all had specific expectations that the health crisis would be temporary and our “normal” would shortly return. However, as the crisis continued to move forward and restrictions have relaxed, the elderly population is still under isolation orders due to the higher risk of becoming ill and a higher likelihood of not recovering.
Most of this population finds their social interaction through families, religious services, and circles of friends. For this reason, we must find alternative ways to interact. Social isolation can trigger mental health problems such as depression, loss of motivation, poor appetite, and becoming withdrawn. And in some cases, these declines can often be difficult to reverse.