Experiences of caregivers for individuals in long-term care (LTC) homes throughout the pandemic

Explore the emotions of those caring for family members and care partners in LTC homes during the pandemic 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a study by multiple researchers including School of Nursing Assistant Professor, Sheila Boamah, and School of Nursing Postdoctoral Fellow, Marie-Lee Yous, delved into the experiences of caregivers for people in long-term care (LTC) homes. 

Caregivers are usually family members or care partners who provide essential care and support to their loved ones in LTC. The researchers used a unique approach that combined photographs and discussions to understand these caregivers’ experiences, known as photovoice. Researchers recruited six caregivers and asked them to take pictures depicting their pandemic journey regarding their experiences taking care of their loved ones in LTC homes.

The researchers identified four main themes. The first was that caregivers felt restricted, frustrated, and confused by the visitor restrictions at these LTC homes. Some identified feeling that restrictions were roadblocks to seeing their loved ones. One of the participants in the study submitted an image of a sign outside of a LTC which gave step-by-step instructions for a caregiver picking up a resident. The second theme that emerged was many felt uncertain and disappointment about the quality of care in LTC homes. An image submitted for this was a picture of the room that a resident resided in, which the caregiver described as dark and small.

The third theme was that many caregivers expressed the feeling of burnout. These caregivers visited their family members frequently during the pandemic, and sometimes daily after work when able. The numerous day to day life responsibilities, in addition to caring for a loved one in LTC, brought a lot of exhaustion and stress. A participant in the study submitted an image of the beach where they chose to unwind due to the feeling of burnout. The last theme was more positive as caregivers highlighted moments of joy and cherished memories. This was reflected in an image of one of the caregiver’s family all visiting the resident in the LTC home.

The study showed that caregivers went through significant mental distress, loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic. The study’s conclusion was that caregivers are important asset to the healthcare team and highlight the need for LTC organizations to work in unison with caregivers to optimize the care of residents and support the mental health of caregivers.  

Importantly, this research involved caregivers in its design and validation process, making them active participants in shaping the study’s outcomes. In doing so, it shed light on the unique challenges faced by caregivers and emphasized the importance of their role in LTC settings.  

To read the full research study, visit here.