“We’ve All Lost So Much”: The Long-Term Care Home Experiences of Essential Family Caregivers During COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract Background During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, long-term care homes (LTCHs) imposed visitor restrictions that prevented essential family caregivers (EFCs) from entering the homes. Under these policies, EFCs had to engage in virtual, window, and outdoor visits, prior to the re-initiation of indoor visits. Objective To understand EFCs’ visitation experiences with LTCH residents during COVID-19. Methods Seven virtual focus groups with EFCs were conducted and analysed using a thematic approach. Findings Six themes were identified: (a) inconsistent and poor communication; (b) lack of staffing and resources; (c) increasing discord between EFCs and staff during COVID-19; (d) shock related to reunification; (e) lack of a person-centred or family-centred approach; and, (f) EFC and resident relationships as collateral damage. Discussion Our findings reflect how EFCs’ visitation experiences were affected by factors at the individual, LTCH, and health-system levels. Future sectoral responses and visitation guidelines should recognize EFCs as an integral part of the care team.