Table 3 Results from coding of older adults’ qualitative data: experiences and needs (N = 26)

From where do you get news about COVID?

TV/radio/news, 25 (96.15)

Political figures/government, 7 (26.92)

Social circle/word of mouth, 2 (7.69)

Social media, 1 (3.85)

Medical professionals, 1 (3.85)

Facility announcements, 1 (3.85)

When did you decide it was necessary to shelter in place at home?

When it started, 21 (80.77)

When heard older adults were more at risk, 9 (34.62)

When heard it was contagious, 2 (7.69)

Who did you make the decision to stay home with?

Alone or with a spouse, 20 (76.92)

Family/friends, 5 (19.23)

Together as a household, 1 (3.85)

Why did you make the decision to stay home?

Common sense, 9 (34.62)

Government said we have to, 3 (11.54)

Advertised by TV and newspaper, 3 (11.54)

Family/friends encouraged it, 2 (7.69)

Facility required it, 1 (3.85)

What do you do during a usual day in isolation?

Screen time, 25 (96.15)

Cognitive activity, 17 (65.38)

Taking supplements/vitamins, 17 (65.38)

Physical activity, 15 (57.69)

Interacting with people/pets in person, 14 (53.85)

Interacting with people/pets remotely, 14 (53.85)

Passive activity, 12 (46.15)

Taking care of house, 9 (34.62)

Sleeping, 3 (11.54)

Going for Drives, 3 (11.54)

Eating, 2 (7.69)

How are you feeling?

Scared, 6 (23.08)

Nervous, 5 (19.23)

Depressed, 4 (15.38)

Worrisome, 4 (15.38)

Anxious, 4 (15.38)

Frustrated, 2 (7.69)

Lonely, 1 (3.85)

Why was it necessary for you to leave your home?

Food, 13 (50.0)

Medical Care, 9 (34.62)

Medications, 6 (23.08)

Gas, 2 (7.69)

Banking, 1 (3.85)

What precautions did you take when leaving the home?

PPE, 22 (84.62)

Social distancing, 14 (53.85)

Personal hygiene, 12 (46.15)

Product hygiene, 9 (34.62)

Who is coming to your home to help with basic necessities?

Nobody, 10 (38.46)

Family, 8 (30.77)

Cleaning lady, 4 (15.38)

Formal assistance, 3 (11.54)

Neighbors/friends, 1 (3.85)

Medical help, 1 (3.85)

Who stopped coming into your home because of COVID?

Cleaning lady, 1 (3.85)

What precautions do people take when coming into the home?

PPE, 8 (30.77)

Social distancing, 5 (19.23)

Lack of precautions, 1 (3.85)

What resources are available to help with your needs?

Telephone check-ins, 22 (84.62)

Contactless delivery, 14 (53.85)

Family, friends, neighbors helping, 12 (46.15)

Online shopping, 6 (23.08)

Contactless pick up of needs, 3 (11.54)

Telehealth, 3 (11.54)

Financial/food stamps, 3 (11.54)

Medical house calls, 2 (7.69)

How are you keeping in touch with loved ones while sheltering at home?

Telephone calls, 25 (96.15)

Videochatting, 9 (34.62)

Socially-distanced visits, 8 (30.77)

Email/text-message, 7 (26.92)

Posting on social media, 1 (3.85)

Have you or anyone you know come in contact with a COVID positive person?

Yes, personal experience, 12 (46.15)

No, 11 (42.31)

Yes myself, 1 (3.85)

Has anyone you know died from COVID?

Yes, less personal relationship, 2 (7.69)

Yes, more personal relationship, 2 (7.69)

What are you doing to keep yourself safe and healthy and your spirits up?

Self-care, 26 (100)

Watching TV, 25 (96.15)

Daily supplements/vitamins, 18 (69.23)

Cognitive activity, 17 (65.38)

Physical activity, 14 (53.85)

Social interactions in person, 12 (46.15)

Virtual social visits, 8 (30.77)

Rituals/routines, 7 (26.92)

Hobbies, 6 (23.08)

Unfinished business, 6 (23.08)

Driving around, 3 (11.54)

Social media, 3 (11.54)

Distraction/avoidance, 3 (11.54)

Sleeping, 2 (7.69)

Listening to music, 2 (7.69)

Life projects, 1 (3.85)

Dancing, 1 (3.85)

Is there anything you can think of that would make it easier on older adults to obtain the care or companionship they need when isolating at home?

Socialization with family, 8 (30.77)

Someone to provide needs right to house, 6 (23.08)

Safe outdoor space, 2 (7.69)

Socialization with community/church, 1 (3.85)

Technology education, 1 (3.85)

Third party well-being check, 1 (3.85)

Financial assistance, 1 (3.85)

Physicians coming to the house, 1 (3.85)