The Recovery After COVID-19 in Nursing Home Residents

• Published in: Gerontology and geriatric medicine Vol. 8; p. 23337214221094192
• Main Authors: van der Krogt, Inge E. J., Sizoo, Eefje M., van Loon, Anouk M., Hendriks, Simone A., Smalbrugge, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-04-2022; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; The COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Older Adults, Families, Caregivers, Health Care Providers and Communities; COVID-19; nursing home residents; recovery; long-term care; trajectory of disease
• ISSN: 2333-7214; 2333-7214
• DOI: 10.1177/23337214221094192

Introduction
Many nursing homes (NHs) are affected by COVID-19 and 30-day mortality is high. Knowledge on recovery of NH residents after COVID-19 is limited. Therefore, we investigated the trajectory in the first three months after a COVID-19 infection in NH residents.
Methods
Retrospective observational cohort study of Dutch NH residents with COVID-19 between 1 September 2020 and 1 March 2021. Prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms and functioning was determined using interRAI (ADL-Hierarchy Scale (ADL-HS), Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS) and Revised Index of Social Engagement (RISE)) at four time points. Descriptive and pattern analyses were performed.
Results
Eighty-six residents were included. Symptom prevalences after three months were higher than at baseline. At group level, functioning on all domains deteriorated and was followed by recovery towards baseline, except for ADL functioning. There were four trajectories; 9.3% had no deterioration. Total and partial recovery occurred in respectively 30.2% and 55.8% of the residents. In 4.7% there was no recovery.
Conclusion
In 86% of NH residents surviving three months after COVID-19, occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms and deterioration in functioning was followed by recovery. COVID-19 symptoms fatigue and sleeping behaviour were significantly more prevalent, and ADL functioning was significantly lower, at three months compared to baseline.