Position Statement for Mental Health Care in Long-Term Care During COVID-19.

Authors :: Checkland C
Benjamin S
Bruneau MA
Cappella A
Cassidy B
Conn D
Grief C
Keng A
Kirkham J
Krishna P
McMurray L
Rabheru K
Tourigny-Rivard MF
Seitz DP
Source :: Canadian geriatrics journal : CGJ [Can Geriatr J] 2021 Dec 01; Vol. 24 (4), pp. 367-372. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Dec 01 (Print Publication: 2021).
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Canada. There are opportunities to learn from this crisis and to improve systems of care in order to ensure that older adults in LTC enjoy their right to the highest attainable standard of health. Measures are needed to ensure the mental health of older adults in LTC during COVID-19. The Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry (CAGP) and Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH) have developed the following position statements to address the mental health needs of older adults in LTC facilities, their family members, and LTC staff. We outlined eight key considerations related to mental health care in LTC during COVID-19 to optimize the mental health of this vulnerable population during the pandemic.<br />Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES The authors declare that no conflicts of interest exist.<br /> (© 2021 Author(s). Published by the Canadian Geriatrics Society.)