The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals With Dementia

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a prolonged physical and emotional strain on residents, families, and staff in post-acute and long-term care settings. Life has been particularly challenging for nursing home and assisted living residents with dementia, who account for 50% or more of all residents in PALTC. In the early days of the pandemic, when personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing were limited, PALTC staff relied heavily on social distancing as well as visitor and room restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19.