Impact of nursing home visitation bans during COVID-19 on residents' health
Official title: Nursing homes’ visitation bans during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effectiveness and consequences
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11224809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the rules that kept visitors away from nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the health and happiness of residents, especially those with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, by gathering information on infections, hospital visits, and the emotional toll of feeling isolated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,932 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG081282-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are nursing home residents, especially those diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in nursing homes or do not have Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how visitation bans in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the health and well-being of residents, particularly those with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The study collects data on infection rates, hospitalizations, and deaths, while also examining the negative consequences of these bans, such as increased social isolation and decreased functional abilities. By analyzing both quantitative data and qualitative feedback from family members, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of these policies on vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform better policies that balance infection control with the mental and physical health needs of nursing home residents.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited empirical research on this specific topic, similar studies have shown that visitation policies can significantly impact the health outcomes of vulnerable populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Huiwen — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Huiwen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.