Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic covid-19 has had a negative impact on the nursing homes. In order to prevent infections, protective measures have been taken in institutional care to prevent the spread of infections, which has affected feelings of loneliness among older adults in nursing homes. Strategies to prevent loneliness include maintaining contact with people and engaging in activities. Occupational therapists play an important role in promoting social contacts and participation in meaningful activities. Purpose: To examine how older adults in institutional care experience loneliness during the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and how their loneliness in the nursing home is reflected. We were also interested in their social inclusion during the pandemic and the role of occupational therapy. Methods: In a qualitative study, we conducted eight semi-structured interviews with residents living in nursing homes. We recorded the interviews, transcribed them literally and analyzed them qualitatively. Results: We created four categories: participation in occupations, living environment, loneliness of residents and social isolation. Most residents did not mention the feeling of loneliness, but rather stressed the desire for company and contact with relatives. More than loneliness, they highlighted social isolation, which included restrictions on movement, prohibition of visits and socializing with roommates, and the main social contact was employees and relatives with whom they communicated by phone. During the period of protective measures, the practice od passive activities increased. The inclusion in occupational therapy was of great importance, where they interacted with their roommates when they released measures, created and included important activities. Discussion and conclusion: Most residents did not feel loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic covid-19. Instead, they predominantly emphasized their desire for companionship. The majority of the residents maintained social contact with their relatives by phone and with employees. During the protective measures, the occupants carried out their leisure activities in the room. Occupational therapy plays an important role in reducing feelings of loneliness. Occupational therapy activities represent a routine and an important channel for maintaining social contacts.
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