Impact of Self-restraint as Novel Coronavirus Infection Measures on People Requiring Assistance : New Established Lifestyle

Abstract

The impact of the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has been significant for patients with intractable diseases, the elderly, and the psychiatric disabled (hereinafter referred to as those who need assistance), who have limitations in their daily lives and need constant support to live in the community. It is difficult to maintain physical distancing because they must take care of their personal care daily, which increases the risk of infection. Therefore, we interviewed the patients about the new lifestyle and innovations that are currently taking root due to COVID-19 measures. As a result, it was found that patients with intractable diseases need encouragement and innovations to prevent a decrease in exercise and leisure activities, and continued support for daily life as usual. For the elderly, it was found that they will need support so that they can continue to live together with their close friends in the local community. For the psychiatric disabled, it was found that they were concerned about their stress vulnerability due to loneliness, and that to establish a new lifestyle, it was necessary to repeatedly explain their behavior so that it would become a habit. These findings suggest that it is necessary to provide information and lifestyle guidance tailored to the characteristics of each patient in their own care environment.