Delivering a psychosocial program for older people living in retirement homes during the Covid-19 pandemic: A process evaluation and recommendations for community interventions.

Journal: Journal of community psychology

Volume: 51

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2022

Affiliated Institutions:  School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex, Durban, South Africa. South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Lead Behavioural Therapist, The Star Academy, Durban, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

The Covid-19 pandemic lockdown regulations caused retirement homes to temporarily ban in-person visitation potentially increasing the mental health risks of older people. An opportunity arose for a multistakeholder community collaboration to design a mental health program for older people. To evaluate the process of delivering a 12-week psychosocial program aimed at preventing loneliness, countering boredom, and providing older people in restricted settings with education about Covid-19 during the lockdown, in Durban, South Africa. A qualitative retrospective design was used. Data from two focus groups and six semistructured individual interviews conducted with stakeholders (volunteers, social workers, and residents) postproject were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Stakeholders had varied experiences of the project, in terms of content, processes of engagement, and implementation, resulting in five themes. The study concluded with recommendations. A strong need exists for multistakeholder community collaborations when implementing a program where the context restricts physical access.

Authors & Co-authors:  Jarvis Mary Ann MA Pillay Suntosh R SR Norton Lynn M LM Hiraman Nemisha N Baloyi Olivia B OB

Study Outcome 

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Citations :  Abdool Karim, S. S. (2020). The South African response to the pandemic. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(24), e95. 10.1056/NEJMc2014960
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1002/jcop.22876
SSN : 1520-6629
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Covid-19;aged;community;loneliness;process evaluation;psychosocial program;residential care facilities
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
United States