Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life and social networks of older adults receiving community care services.
METHODS: Quality of life and social network questionnaires were completed by older adults (n = 21) receiving home care services at three time points (2018, 2019, and during the first Australian COVID-19 lockdown in 2020). Additional questions about technology use were included in 2020.
RESULTS: Older adults' quality of life significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to the prior year. During the pandemic, over 80% used technology to maintain contact with family and friends, and social networks did not change.
CONCLUSIONS: Government messages and support initiatives directed towards technology adoption among older adults receiving home care may assist with maintaining social connection during COVID-19. Our findings add to the relatively limited understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-emotional well-being of older people.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Australasian Journal on Ageing |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Mar 2021 |
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Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD)
Munro, K., Millman, R., Lamb, W., Dawes, P., Plack, C., Stone, M., Kluk-De Kort, K., Moore, D., Morton, C., Prendergast, G., Couth, S., Schlittenlacher, J., Chilton, H., Visram, A., Dillon, H., Guest, H., Heinrich, A., Jackson, I., Littlejohn, J., Jones, L., Lough, M., Morgan, R., Perugia, E., Roughley, A., Short, A., Whiston, H., Wright, C., Saunders, G. & Kelly, C.
Project: Research