Caring from a distance: carers’ experiences of keeping in touch with care home residents during COVID-19 closures

White, Caroline; Whitfield, Clare; Wolverson, Emma; Wray, Jane

Abstract

In response to COVID-19, many care homes closed to visitors and new ways for carers and residents to stay in touch were tried. This UK study employed an online survey to explore carer experiences of staying in touch from a distance. The research highlighted: the importance of ongoing connections (through visits and remotely); diverse approaches to maintaining contact; and concerns about safeguarding and well-being. Findings underscore the importance of developing personalised approaches to staying in touch during future care home closures and for those who require an ongoing approach to remote contact due to distance, illness or additional caring responsibilities.

Citation

White, C., Whitfield, C., Wolverson, E., & Wray, J. (2024). Caring from a distance: carers’ experiences of keeping in touch with care home residents during COVID-19 closures. International Journal of Care and Caring, 8(2), 264-286. https://doi.org/10.1332/239788221X16666566787347

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 28, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Nov 28, 2022
• Publication Date: May 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 21, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 29, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Care and Caring
• Print ISSN: 2397-8821
• Electronic ISSN: 2397-883X
• Publisher: Policy Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 264-286
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/239788221X16666566787347
• Keywords: family carers; care homes; distance carers; remote contact
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4100783