ABSTRACT
Understanding the effect of COVID-19 on older adults remains obscure unless its impact on the Long-Term Care in the west is examined. A disproportionately large number of fatalities during the first surge took place in care homes. The World Health Organization cited the situation as an “unimaginable human tragedy” and “deeply concerning.” The authors argue that care homes in most countries were suffering from a historical neglect when the COVID-19 struck. The pandemic merely laid bare deep-rooted structural challenges across the world. Although they were alerted as part of national efforts to counter the virus, care homes were not given necessary support, thus continuing as the Cinderella sector. Care workers found themselves in a situation of dire neglect and helplessness. Many struggled in the absence of protective equipment and necessary training to handle the crisis. The lack of standard operating procedures and guidelines made the task of caregiving extremely difficult. With few exceptions, care homes during the pandemic appeared like small fortresses, with “No Visitors” signs blanketing their entrances. As a result, residents struggled with anxiety and loneliness in the absence of family members and relatives.
