Experiences of Home-living Vulnerable Older Adults with Clinical Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: Little is known about the diversity of older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore investigated the pandemic experiences of home-living vulnerable older adults with depression, an understudied subpopulation.

Methods: We conducted unstructured interviews with N= 20 older (60+ years) adults with clinical depression receiving care in their homes in June and again in December 2020. Interviews were coded according to the grounded theory approach.

Results: We identified eight themes. Participants described feeling disconnected before and during the pandemic, which they attributed to their physical impairments and old age. Their social relations with family, medical providers, and caregivers helped them feel connected. Participants did not feel significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they missed social and physical contact. During the pandemic, isolation was normalized. Participants therefore experienced loneliness due to their isolation, but also a sense of togetherness with the rest of society. Isolation within the home was re-framed as cocooning, which provided a sense of autonomy. Participants nevertheless expressed resignation.

Conclusions: Home-living vulnerable older adults with depression experienced loneliness but also a degree of relief during the pandemic.

Clinical implications: Positively re-framing isolation and the stability of formal caregiving helped participants endure feeling disconnected during the pandemic.