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Insight into the experiences of caregivers of older adults in long-term care homes: A photovoice study.
- Source :
- Journal of Advanced Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.); Mar2024, Vol. 80 Issue 3, p1084-1096, 13p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Aims: To explore the lived experiences of caregivers of people living in long-term care (LTC) homes during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and potential supports and resources needed to improve caregivers' quality of life. Background: Carers (or care partners) of adults in LTC contribute substantially to the health and well-being of their loved ones by providing physical care, emotional support and companionship. Despite their critical role, little is known about how caregivers have been impacted by the pandemic. Design: An interpretive descriptive approach that incorporated the photovoice method was used. Methods: Using a purposive sampling strategy, six family carers in Ontario, Canada were recruited between September and December 2021. Over a 4-week period, caregivers took pictures depicting their experience of the pandemic that were shared in a virtual focus group. Visual and text data were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Findings: Caregivers expressed feelings of frustration, confusion and joy. Emerging themes included: (i) feeling like a 'criminal' amidst visitor restrictions and rules; (ii) experiencing uncertainty and disappointment in the quality of care of long-term care homes; (iii) going through burnout; and (iv) focusing on small joys and cherished memories. Conclusions: The combination of visual and textual methods provided unique insight into the mental distress, isolation and intense emotional burdens experienced by caregivers during the pandemic. Impact: Our findings underscore the need for LTC organizations to work in unison with caregivers to optimize the care of residents and support the mental health of caregivers. Reporting Method: This work adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Public Contributions: The caregivers included in the study were involved in the cocreative process as active contributors informing the design and validation of the codes and themes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- ELDER care
FOCUS groups
MEDICAL quality control
PSYCHOLOGICAL burnout
PSYCHOLOGICAL distress
RESEARCH funding
LONG-term health care
PHOTOGRAPHY
SERVICES for caregivers
JUDGMENT sampling
UNCERTAINTY
NURSING care facilities
EXPERIENCE
THEMATIC analysis
FRUSTRATION
BURDEN of care
QUALITY of life
RESEARCH methodology
COGNITION disorders
HAPPINESS
PSYCHOLOGY of caregivers
CAREGIVER attitudes
COVID-19 pandemic
SOCIAL isolation
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03092402
- Volume :
- 80
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Advanced Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 176031677
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15888