Stress for families over care homes in focus

Three-in-four people with loved ones in care homes have suffered mental distress due to Covid-19 restrictions, a study has indicated.

Relatives unable to visit and hug family in retirement homes endured a “range of negative emotions” which were “severe and often went unrecognised”.

The study team – led by Edinburgh University – is arguing for indoor visits for family and friends to be permitted if the isolation is “severely affecting residents”, and routine outdoor socially distant visits, if local restrictions allow.

Researchers held 36 in-depth interviews with family carers, held conversations with care staff, and completed a nationwide online survey of people with family in homes. They received 444 responses across 31 out of 32 local authorities in Scotland.

They found 76% of respondents experienced mental distress due to Covid restrictions, which was higher among relatives on average if they did not feel well-informed by care staff.

They said: “Most policy makers and key figures in the sector had shown only a superficial understanding of lockdown’s impact on families. Respondents said there had been little acknowledgement of family as partners in providing care and a failure to fully understand the importance of that relationship.”

Lead researcher Dr George Palattiyil said: “It’s likely the impact of relatives being unable to visit will be felt for years to come.”

The paper said as the care sector has public, private and third-sector providers, it is “difficult to implement national guidance in a consistent, equitable and appropriate manner”.