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Introduction:
The global COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted millions of individuals, resulting in substantial modifications to daily routines and the transformation of interpersonal interactions. The elderly demographic has been recognized as a highly susceptible cohort to COVID-19 due to aging-associated health complications. The Pine Nursing Home, located in North Miami, Florida, accommodates a substantial elderly demographic, thereby rendering the psycho-social ramifications of COVID-19 on this cohort a matter of considerable apprehension. This theoretical framework examines the possible psycho-social consequences of COVID-19 on the elderly residents of Pine Nursing Home.
Theoretical Framework
The present study’s theoretical framework is based on various theories, namely the stress and coping theory, the social support theory, and the ecological systems theory. The theories mentioned above serve as a basis for comprehending the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psycho-social welfare of the elderly residents at Pine Nursing Home.
The theory of stress and coping posits that the presence of stressors, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, can significantly impact an individual’s psycho-social well-being. Various emotional and behavioral responses, including anxiety, depression, and withdrawal, can be elicited by stressful events (Meraz et al., 2023). Implementing coping mechanisms, such as social support and problem-solving, can aid individuals in effectively managing the stressors they encounter. Within the Pine Nursing Home setting, the presence of COVID-19 has the potential to elicit stress and adversely affect the psycho-social well-being of the elderly demographic.
According to social support theory, social connections and relationships can enhance an individual’s psycho-social well-being. Social support within the Pine Nursing Home is facilitated by various sources, including the nursing staff, family members of residents, and fellow residents themselves(Cohen & McKay, 2020). Providing social support can give individuals a perception of affiliation, emotional sustenance, and pragmatic aid to effectively manage stressors. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated individuals to maintain physical distance, making obtaining social support more arduous.
The Ecological Systems Theory postulates that human beings are situated within various systems that impact their conduct and growth. The present theory considers the potential influence of physical surroundings, social structures, and cultural norms on individuals’ psychological and social well-being (Jang, 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic can be perceived and coped with differently by individuals in the Pine Nursing Home, depending on the influence of the physical environment, social systems, and cultural values. The perceptions and coping strategies of residents can be influenced by the attitudes and behaviors of staff towards the pandemic.
Gerontological perspective: The impact of COVID-19 on the elderly population residing in Pine Nursing Home can be analyzed from a gerontological perspective, specifically by examining the psycho-social effects through the framework of ageism and discrimination. Ageism is a phenomenon characterized by the presence of unfavorable preconceptions and discriminatory practices directed toward individuals who are advanced in age (Swinford et al., 2020). Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly individuals have encountered stigmatization due to their perceived heightened susceptibility to the virus, resulting in discriminatory practices impeding their access to healthcare and other fundamental services. The presence of ageism and discriminatory practices may result in adverse psychological outcomes, social exclusion, and reduced quality of life for the elderly residents of Pine Nursing Home.
Healthcare ManagementPerspective: The impact of COVID-19 on the psycho-social well-being of the elderly population residing in Pine Nursing Home can be analyzed from the standpoint of healthcare policies and practices, as viewed through the lens of healthcare management. The outbreak of the pandemic has resulted in notable modifications in healthcare policies and practices, specifically in the context of long-term care facilities (Yao et al., n.d). The modifications mentioned above have resulted in limitations on visitation, heightened reliance on technological means for communication, and alterations in healthcare delivery paradigms. Comprehending the effects of these modifications on the psycho-social welfare of the elderly populace at Pine Nursing Home is imperative.
Social Psychology Analysis: The impact of COVID-19 on the elderly population residing in Pine Nursing Home can be analyzed from a social psychology perspective, specifically by examining the psycho-social effects of social isolation and loneliness. The correlation between social isolation and loneliness and the susceptibility of older adults to mental and physical health issues has been established as a significant risk factor (Matud et al., 20219). The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a prevalent state of social isolation, particularly among the elderly population, who are more susceptible to experiencing severe illness and mortality due to the virus. Hence, comprehending the ramifications of social isolation and loneliness on the mental and physical well-being of the elderly residents at Pine Nursing Home is of utmost significance.
In conclusion, the global outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in notable psycho-social consequences for individuals across the globe, including the elderly residents of Pine Nursing Home. The aforementioned theoretical framework establishes a basis for investigating the possible psycho-social consequences of COVID-19 on the demographic mentioned above. Through applying stress and coping theory, social support theory, and ecological systems theory, scholars can discern plausible determinants that influence the psycho-social welfare of elderly residents at Pine Nursing Home.The multifaceted psycho-social implications of COVID-19 on the elderly residents of Pine Nursing Home can also be comprehended through various lenses, such as social psychology, gerontology, and healthcare administration. Through a thorough analysis of these viewpoints, a comprehensive comprehension of the psycho-social implications of COVID-19 on the elderly demographic can be attained, thereby enabling the formulation of tailored interventions to cater to their distinct requirements.
References
Cohen, S., & McKay, G. (2020). Social support, stress and the buffering hypothesis: A theoretical analysis. In Handbook of Psychology and Health (Volume IV) (pp. 253-267). Routledge.
Jang, H. Y. (2020). Factors associated with successful aging among community-dwelling older adults based on the ecological system model. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(9), 3220.
Matud, M. P., & García, M. C. (2019). Psychological distress and social functioning in elderly Spanish people: A gender analysis. International Journal of environmental research and public health, 16(3), 341.
Meraz, R., Osteen, K., McGee, J. S., Noblitt, P., & Viejo, H. (2023). Applying stress and coping theory to understand diuretic adherence experiences in heart failure patients. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 45(1), 67-77.
Swinford, E., Galucia, N., & Morrow-Howell, N. (2020). Applying gerontological social work perspectives to the coronavirus pandemic. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 63(6-7), 513-523.
Yao, X., Zheng, Z., Yuan, Q., Yin, H., & Zhang, W. Overview of the Health Management Projects for the Elderly Population: A Bibliometric Comparison between the United States and China. Available at SSRN 4099032.
