The impact of COVID-19 on the health of institutionalized persons

Abstract

Introduction: The aged population, in increasing numbers in Brazil and worldwide, is one of the groups most vulnerable to infection by the new coronavirus. Such fragility is even more evident in those who live in Long-Term Institution for the Aged (LTIA), considering that, in addition to being a fragile part of the analyzed age group, it presents a higher risk of contamination and, still, of geriatric morbidity and mortality . Objective: To identify the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of elderly people living in the LTIA Methodology:This is an integrative literature review study, conducted in the months of November and December 2020, summarizing published studies on the subject. We searched the databases Scielo, Lilacs and Medline, using the descriptors "elderly", "COVID-19" and "Long-Term Institution for the Aged". As inclusion criteria, free articles were considered, made available in full and corresponding to the theme analyzed in the study. 16 papers were found. Following these criteria and excluding technical notes and duplicate articles, we verified 4 articles. Results: LTIA, as collective environments, have residents with high vulnerability to infection by the new coronavirus. In those elderly people affected by dementia, delirium and other neurological diseases, social isolation deepens the severity of COVID-19 infection, thus hampering the activities related to the care and assistance provided by caregivers. Furthermore, the adoption of early laboratory screening is characterized as a fundamental measure to enhance the prevention of cases in LTIA and promote infection control in these centers. There is also a deficiency regarding the construction of a protocol with prophylaxis measures and adequate management in a more targeted way within the LTIA. Conclusions:  It is urgent to look more and more closely to the needs of the elderly population, especially the institutionalized group, in order to promote investment policies in comprehensive health care carried out by a multidisciplinary team.