Most occupants of elderly homes were critical cases with multiple chronic diseases and comorbidities. It was important to maintain the health status of these individuals through quality treatment, nutrition, and medical follow up (including regular blood test) to avoid health status deterioration and the need for hospital admission. High quality, round the clock nursing care helped manage the patients’ minor procedures in the residency home, to prevent their exposure to avoidable risks.

Therefore, it was important that staff remained available during the quarantine (including nurses, nurse assistants, cleaners, and kitchen staff.) Doctors were available through video calls around the clock, laboratory test were sent to the laboratory by staff outside the and results were delivered through email, along with the doctor’s follow up and orders to maintain stability of chronic illness. Preventative measures were followed carefully; the staff responsible for delivering food, medication and other items were asked to only deliver the requested items, as others were in strict quarantine and following preventative measures. Items that were delivered had to undergo strict sterilization methods. Patients returning to elderly care homes after a period of hospital admission for chronic illness were quarantined in separate rooms away from other residents for two weeks, and they underwent COVID-19 screenings prior to being discharged.

The unique aspects about this opportunity is that it helped promote communication and learning during the quarantine. Prevention measures were strictly applied; these included education about how the virus spread and how to stay safe and preserve the safety of others. The education programs targeted elderly home residents and staff, and preventative measures were strictly followed. The resident staff were quarantined to keep the elderly safe, meanwhile, the rest of the employees such as social workers and psychologists were involved in the remote work program to support the elderly during this crisis, and to keep them connected to society to help mitigate the impact of isolation. The restriction of visits to elderly care homes was resolved through videocalls. The importance of communication regardless of the circumstances was an important insight.

The initiative was primarily funded through city funds.

Quotes from Stakeholders:

“The care home is a lovely and safe place to stay in during this pandemic; in the care home we feel like we are surrounded by our own family.”

Mohammed Abbas

Resident of an elderly care home, Sharjah, UAE.

The initiative aimed to prevent the spread of the pandemic and to keep the elderly care home safe for residents.

Regarding post-pandemic prospects, the initiative had a tremendous contribution towards the  mitigation of the pandemic’s impact in the region. The residents were able to maintain their emotional and physical wellbeing during this crisis. The educational program had a remarkable impact, and the results also helped achieve emotional stability. The nation’s safety and economic status were will maintained during this period, with all the preventative measures taken, and the ability to manage patients’ chronic illnesses and the spread of the pandemic. Care home residents were supported during the quarantine, considering that they were made to feel as though they were surrounded by their own families. Moreover, care home residents learned many new skills such as playing games, and how to use new technologies. The care home garden had many new plants that were planted by the elderly and had a positive effect on the mood of residents. The results of this initiative helped achieve a better understanding of ways to deal with crises, and insights were gained in terms of elderly care.

The initiative yielded the below results: 

• The infection rate of COVID-19 in elderly care homes was 0%.
• Public health status was well maintained during the quarantine and hospital admissions were reduced to 0%.