Experiences of Rhode Island Assisted Living Facilities in Connecting Residents with Families through Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic

摘要

BACKGROUND AND STUDY OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19pandemic has forced assisted living facilities (ALF) toimplement strict social isolation for residents. Social isolationin the geriatric population is known to negativelyimpact health. Here, we describe how ALFs in RhodeIsland utilized device donations received from Connectfor COVID-19, a nationwide nonprofit organizationwhich has mobilized medical students to gather devicesfor donations to care centers.METHODS: Rhode Island ALFs were contacted to determineif they were interested in receiving smart devicedonations. After donations were made, an impact surveywas electronically administered.PRIMARY RESULTS: A total of 11 facilities completedthe survey with a response rate of 24% (11/46). The facilitieswere located throughout all five counties in RhodeIsland, with the majority located in Providence County.All but one of the facilities that responded to the survey(n=10, 90.9%) have used the devices to allow residentsto video-call their family members. Seven responses(63.6%) indicated that devices were used for more thanone purpose.PRIMARY CONCLUSIONS: Smart devices were wellreceived by Rhode Island ALFs and used for purposesbeyond video conference calls. ALFs should consider advertisingthe need for devices to encourage communitydonations. Future studies should investigate the directimpact that digital connectivity has had on Rhode IslandALF residents.