Poor and Lost Connections: Essential Family Caregivers' Experiences Using Technology with Family Living in Long-Term Care Homes during COVID-19.
J Appl Gerontol
; 41(6): 1547-1556, 2022 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1785006
ABSTRACT
Background:
Long-term care homes (LTCHs) restricted essential family caregivers' (EFCs) visitations during COVID-19, and virtual visits using technology were used.Objective:
To understand EFCs' virtual visitations experiences during COVID-19 in two Canadian provinces.Methods:
Seven focus groups were conducted with EFCs. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes at micro, meso, and macro levels.Results:
Four themes were found 1) a lack of technology and infrastructure; 2) barriers to scheduling visitations; 3) unsuitable technology implementation; and 4) inability of technology to adapt to residents' needs.Discussion:
Virtual visitations showcased a confluence of micro, meso, and macro factors that, in some cases, negatively impacted the EFCs, residents, and the relationship between EFCs and residents. Structural and home inequities within and beyond the LTCH impacted the quality of technology-based visitations, underscoring the need to support technology infrastructure and training to ensure residents are able to maintain relationships during visitation bans.Conclusion:
EFCs' experiences of technology-based visitations were impacted by structural vulnerabilities of the LTCH sector.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Long-Term Care
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
J Appl Gerontol
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
07334648221081850
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