Distanced behind the mask: The use of non-verbal communication when counselling the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The stressors caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have influenced both the physical and the mental health of the elderly, increasing their vulnerability. Counselling by the mental healthcare nurse is a critical protective factor in mitigating the mental health effects of COVID-19. However, counselling is unintentionally interrupted by the effects of the mask as a barrier to non-verbal communication. This commentary aims at conscientisation of mental healthcare nursing practice interruptions to non-verbal communication, brought upon by the pandemic. Practice recommendations focus on mask-wearing becoming less of a stressor to offset the challenges experienced by both the elderly and the mental healthcare nurses. Contribution: The authors conclude that a need exists to revisit the fundamentals of counselling, and show initiative to addressing the practice challenges created by the wearing of masks yet simultaneously contribute to #flatten_the_mental_illness_curve.

Keywords

• elderly
• counselling
• covid-19
• mask
• mental healthcare nurse
• non-verbal communication
• practice