Facilitating family-focused Care of Older adults living in Long-Term Care in Canada during Restricted Visiting due to COVID-19

Background: The focus of this paper is exemplary gerontological nursing interventions that effectively supported families and long-term care residents in Canada during visiting restrictions resulting from COVID-19. Objective: The aim was to describe exemplary gerontological nursing interventions that families and long-term care residents in Canada found supportive during visiting restrictions resulting from COVID-19. Methods: An analysis of data artefacts including news reports, blogs and social media postings was completed. Results: Thematic analysis resulted in four themes: dedication amidst challenge, innovation and continuous learning, living their nursing values and purposeful knowledge sharing. These themes are described using a framework that depicts four pillars of exemplary nursing practice: professionalism, scholarly practice, leadership and stewardship (Riley, Beal, & Ponte, 2021). Conclusions/Implications for Practice: A link is made between these pillars of exemplary practice and enactment of family-focused care. Recommendations focused on gerontological nursing approaches that facilitate family-focused care for older adults residing in long-term care are included.