Expectations of nursing home residents and their family members during the COVID-19 epidemic: A qualitative study

Background: COVID-19 has spread worldwide. Older people are at the greatest risk of contracting and dying from the virus. Nursing homes are densely populated places for older adults who are generally vulnerable and at high-risk. Although Chinese nursing homes have been trying to protect their residents, the needs and expectations of the residents and their families have been ignored. The aim of this study was to explore and better understand the expectations of nursing home residents and their family members during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Methods Data was collected via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with nursing home residents and focus group online interviews with family members between June 2021 and February 2022. Data analysis followed inductive content analysis. Results 16 residents and 24 family members were interviewed. Four themes with 11 sub-themes were identified from the descriptions of participants. Their expectations were mainly focus on prevention and control measures for COVID-19, medical capacity of nursing homes, health education and expectations for some aged care policies. Conclusions In the face of concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes, we sought to bring firsthand perspectives to the forefront by interviewing residents and their family members about their expectations to address this issue. Our findings provide important areas on which should be focused and may improve the sense of gain, happiness, and security of nursing home residents during the COVID-19 epidemic.