Three-quarters of care home relatives ‘left distressed’ by visiting restrictions
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”, according to researchers.
The study team – led by the University of Edinburgh – is arguing for indoor visits for family and friends to be permitted if the isolation is “severely affecting residents”, and routine outdoor socially distanced visits, if local restrictions allow.
Researchers conducted 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 per cent 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 added: “Most policymakers 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, of the University of Edinburgh, said: “It’s likely that the impact of relatives being unable to visit will be felt for years to come, especially in cases where a loved one died or became seriously ill.”
The paper added that because the care sector has public, private and third sector providers, it is “difficult to implement national guidance in a consistent, equitable and appropriate manner”.
The research team also involved the University of the West of Scotland, the University of Strathclyde, and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services.
The study added that more video-based communication is needed where in-person visits are not allowed.
It also said minority ethnic people in homes had seen pre-existing issues exacerbated by the pandemic, including a failure to meet their language and communication needs and dietary requirements.
Dr Dina Sidhva, of the University of the West of Scotland, said: “The sector has much to learn from care homes that were able to innovate with new forms of communication.”
The paper added: “As we plan ahead, consideration should be given to examine the capacity of care home staff in managing care to ensure connectedness with the families and other relatives and friends. This might involve the use of modern communication methods (Skype, Zoom, Facetime, Whatsapp video calls etc), and provision of resources and opportunities for training staff in the use of such communication.”