Seniors Say COVID-19 Not Their Biggest Fear, Spending Time With Loved Ones Matters Most: Survey

Jean LeBoutillier, a resident at the Life Care Center of Kirkland, says goodbye to her daughter Laurie Callahan and son-in-law, Kevin Callahan after their visit at the Life Care Center of Kirkland in Kirkland, Wash. on Aug. 24, 2020. Karen Ducey/Getty Images

Residents of long-term care and assisted living (LTC/AL) do not fear contracting COVID-19 as more than they miss spending quality time with their loved ones before they die, a new survey (pdf) reveals.

“Residents have told us that contracting COVID-19 is not their biggest fear,” the report reads. “Their bodies and minds may be diminished in function but they can still, in many cases, understand risk, know they are nearing the end of their life and know, with absolute certainty, that spending time—meaningful time—with the people they love is what they want most.”