In this master thesis, we investigated the covid-19 epidemic's impact on the loneliness of
the residents of the Koroškega doma starostnikov – poslovne enote Slovenj Gradec (hereafter:
KDS - PE SG). In the theoretical part of the master thesis, we focused on the aging of the
population and its consequences in today's society. We described long-term care, the
importance of family for the elderly, interpersonal relationships, the social network, emotions
in old age, and loneliness. We concluded the theoretical part with a chapter on understanding
the needs of the elderly as a fundamental orientation for research and development in long-term
care.
In the research, we used qualitative methodology and collected data through individual
interviews of residents, which were conducted using a semi-structured interview.
We focused on three aspects of the residents' lives during the epidemic: the relationship
between residents and relatives, the relationship between residents and staff in the elderly home,
and social life within the home. The results showed that the majority of the residents had
remained in contact during the epidemic with at least one relative. Staying in contact was a
challenge during the epidemic. After analysing the results, we proposed ideas that we believe
will contribute to good practices in the home in the future. The suggestions include the
implementation of IP telephony to allow residents to communicate easier and free of charge by
telephone with other residents, redesigning activities so that they are relocated to residents'
rooms or activities are carried out within each unit of the home, etc.).
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