This study implemented an online survey of family members or friends of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) from April 28 to June 19, 2020, using convenience sampling. A total of 174 responses nationwide reported the types of communications used, frequency of communication and alternative visits, and whether respondents had peace of mind, would recommend the facility, or were considering removing the resident from the facility. The results of the hierarchical logistic regression showed that respondents felt greater peace of mind when there were multiple communication channels to contact the resident. Also, respondents had more negative perceptions of a facility when they were not informed about confirmed COVID cases. The findings suggest multiple communication channels and transparency about COVID status were effective in keeping positive family perceptions about the facility.

Journal of Gerontological Social Work, doi: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1969714

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