Date of Conferral

6-19-2024

Date of Award

6-19-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Kelly Chermack

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many illnesses afflicting older adults in U.S. communities, including mental health wellness. Since 2020, at the inception of the pandemic, older adults living in residential settings, including assisted living and skilled nursing homes, experienced harsh limitations in their everyday lives. The conditions included prolonged periods of isolation and reduced interactions between caregivers and loved ones. Therefore, it is important to understand the experiences of older adults living in facilities and their ability to adapt to the environment. The research question addressed in this study gained insight into the effects of mandated isolation on older adults. Using the conceptual framework of selection, optimization, and compensation model, the research demonstrated the coping ability of older adults, and the theoretical framework of the sociological perspective of ecological theory helped to explain the interactions between the environment and the older adult. Using a qualitative study, seven residential older adults were interviewed using semistructured interviews, with data being analyzed through a six-step thematic process. There were 19 codes identified during the thematic analysis, and five categories were identified, including: (a) coping, (b) isolation, (c) support and response, (d) mental health, and (e) isolation. The positive social change impact of this research may help caregivers, practitioners, and policymakers increase their preparedness for future pandemics and determine the best mandates to impose, given the postpandemic effects of such decisions.

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