Toward Healing
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the utility and necessity of trauma-informed care in the long-term care industry. The unprecedented amount of loss and suffering from the pandemic has caused a harmful impact on residents, employees, and community well-being. The pandemic made life even harder for people already dealing with trauma or loss. However, opportunities have emerged to focus on resilience and rebuild trust through healing and in community.
What have we learned from COVID-19 that can help us to create a better future for the people working and living in nursing homes?
Significant lessons learned during the pandemic can be applied to improve the future for those living and working in nursing homes. These lessons emphasize the importance of holistic care, the value of communication, and the need for systemic support for both residents and staff.
Addressing Inequities in Recovery
The pressure to recover quickly from crises can leave vulnerable people and groups behind. Some groups may have less capacity to cope and recover, highlighting the need for tailored support and resources (Florida State University, 2022). Recognizing and addressing these disparities is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive environment in nursing homes.
Holistic Approach to Resident Care
Quality care for nursing home residents extends beyond physical health. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (1948). This underscores the need for systemic support to ensure residents' bio-psycho-social-spiritual wellbeing.
Importance of Communication and Connection
Throughout the pandemic, family members of residents have experienced great anxiety, distress, guilt, and fear about their loved ones’ quality of life. Early and frequent goals of care conversations among family members, residents, physicians, and allied health team members can instill a greater sense of peace and alignment for residents, family members, and the nursing facility team (Sandy, 2021). Care conferences, on admission and at frequent intervals, can be healing as they invite connection into residents’ life stories and life purposes (Sandy, 2021).
Valuing CNAs and Direct Care Providers
CNAs and direct care providers are the foundation of quality long-term care. Their wisdom and insights about the long-term care environment are invaluable. Most CNAs express a deep love for their work, and their residents (Amateau et al., 2022). However, their daily experiences often devalue their role and their work. Addressing the needs of CNAs is crucial and may include opportunities to specialize, meaningful training, support in managing emotional aspects of direct care, reasonable care ratios, a living wage, good benefits, peer support, and equitable treatment (Amateau et al., 2022).
Moving Beyond Trauma-Informed Care Toward Healing
As we work together toward a harmonious future where nursing home care offers all residents and staff fulfillment and quality of life, we will, hopefully, evolve beyond trauma-informed care toward healing. Within the youth-serving sectors, this turn is already taking root. As we are doing with person-centered care and trauma-informed care, we can learn and adopt practices now from other sectors.
In Summary: Practical Steps for Implementation
Recognize and Address Disparities
- Tailor support and resources to meet the specific needs of vulnerable groups within the nursing home community.
- Implement policies that ensure equitable access to care and recovery resources.
Adopt a Holistic Approach to Care
- Ensure care plans address residents' physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
- Foster an environment that supports residents' overall quality of life.
Enhance Communication and Connection
- Facilitate early and frequent goals of care conversations.
- Conduct regular care conferences to maintain alignment and connection among residents, families, and care teams.
Value and Support CNAs and Direct Care Providers
- Provide opportunities for specialization and meaningful training.
- Offer emotional support, reasonable care ratios, and competitive compensation and benefits.
- Create a culture that values and recognizes the contributions of CNAs and direct care providers.
Foster a Culture of Healing
- Learn from other sectors and adopt practices that promote healing and well-being.
- Move beyond trauma-informed care by incorporating principles of healing into daily practices and organizational culture.
By implementing these steps, we can create a future where nursing home residents and staff thrive, ensuring a supportive, fulfilling, and high-quality care environment for all.