THE IMPACT OF PROLONGED SOCIAL ISOLATION ON INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL DISORDERS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS IN RESIDENTIAL CENTERS: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
AUTHORS:
Maria Elena ABRUDEANU, Constantin CIUCUREL, Luminita GEORGESCU, Elena Ioana ICONARU, Teodor Catalin CONSTANTINESCU, Georgeta IONESCU
KEYWORDS
SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, residential care, mental health, rehabilitation
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened vulnerabilities for individuals with disabilities, limiting access to care and essential services. This study examines its impact on institutionalized individuals, caregivers, and care centers, emphasizing the challenges posed by reduced physical activity and the resulting negative effects on health. It identifies key issues and provides insights to improve future crisis responses. Material and method: This cross-sectional study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess the impact of COVID-19 on institutionalized individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and residential centers, using structured questionnaires and interviews at both institutional and resident levels. Results: The research, conducted across three residential centers in Arges County with 231 beneficiaries (96 males, 135 females, ages 19-97 years), found that the pandemic significantly affected the mental health and daily routines of residents, especially those with severe psychiatric disorders. The reduced physical activity further contributed to muscle deconditioning and frailty among beneficiaries, exacerbating their health risks. Meanwhile, staff managed stress and adapted to care requirements. Discussion: This study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic's negative impact on residents with disabilities in residential centers, emphasizing the effects of isolation and reduced physical activity. Key insights highlight the importance of maintaining physical engagement, communication, and adaptable care strategies to mitigate the impact of these limitations. Conclusions: The pandemic impacted individuals with mental disabilities differently, with isolation affecting psychological health, especially for those with schizophrenia. Family support and communication helped maintain stability. Caregiver stress was high, but support and collaboration alleviated some challenges. Reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior among both residents and caregivers worsened health, highlighting the need for better crisis preparedness.
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KEYWORDS
SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, residential care, mental health, rehabilitation
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened vulnerabilities for individuals with disabilities, limiting access to care and essential services. This study examines its impact on institutionalized individuals, caregivers, and care centers, emphasizing the challenges posed by reduced physical activity and the resulting negative effects on health. It identifies key issues and provides insights to improve future crisis responses. Material and method: This cross-sectional study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess the impact of COVID-19 on institutionalized individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and residential centers, using structured questionnaires and interviews at both institutional and resident levels. Results: The research, conducted across three residential centers in Arges County with 231 beneficiaries (96 males, 135 females, ages 19-97 years), found that the pandemic significantly affected the mental health and daily routines of residents, especially those with severe psychiatric disorders. The reduced physical activity further contributed to muscle deconditioning and frailty among beneficiaries, exacerbating their health risks. Meanwhile, staff managed stress and adapted to care requirements. Discussion: This study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic's negative impact on residents with disabilities in residential centers, emphasizing the effects of isolation and reduced physical activity. Key insights highlight the importance of maintaining physical engagement, communication, and adaptable care strategies to mitigate the impact of these limitations. Conclusions: The pandemic impacted individuals with mental disabilities differently, with isolation affecting psychological health, especially for those with schizophrenia. Family support and communication helped maintain stability. Caregiver stress was high, but support and collaboration alleviated some challenges. Reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior among both residents and caregivers worsened health, highlighting the need for better crisis preparedness.
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