The perceptions of two older First Nation women with multiple chronic conditions regarding community-level supports during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic limited the spread of the illness and older adults and Elders’ ability to socialize and connect with others, impacting their ability to pass on guidance and leadership through culturally-specific ways. Community-level supports are vital for older adults living in First Nation communities, particularly supports that are inclusive, accessible, private, and confidential and that promote visiting, connecting, and culture, offering opportunities for outings and using many avenues for awareness. Using an Anishinabek research methodology, this community-based participatory action research approach is responsive to the Health and Community Wellness Committee of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. We used the Gaataa’aabing visual research method to answer the research question: What perceptions are held by Atikameksheng Anishnawbek adults over 50 years of age who have multiple chronic conditions about community-level supports during the COVID-19 pandemic? We recruited two participants who took part in three learning circles and contributed seven photos. We followed an adapted version of the collective consensual data analytic procedure to analyze over 400-word sentences or stories (segments). This resulted in 14 themes organized into strengths of, thoughts and perceptions about, and barriers to community-level support. We found that the importance of connecting through various means was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic and that community-level support aided in socialization through digital platforms. Although older adults and Elders enjoyed connecting with others through modern technology, they also felt that there was a need to return to the old ways, bringing back an Anishinabek way of life. Moving forward, service providers and community-level supports can use these findings to support the coordination of ‘friendly visiting’ via community-level volunteer programs to reduce the impacts of social isolation.