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Care homes, social distancing and behavioural changes – an assessment of the psychosocial impact of Coronavirus on families with relatives in care homes in Scotland.

Project status
Ongoing
Contact
George Palattiyil
Institution web page
https://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/staff/social_work/george_palattiyil
Host institution
University of Edinburgh (Lead) in partnership with University of Strathclyde,, University of the West of Scotland, Institute for Research & Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) and Centre for Research on Families and Relationship (CRFR)
Team members
Sumeet Jain (The University of Edinburgh), Jo Hockley (The University of Edinburgh), Lynn Jamieson (The University of Edinburgh), Dina Sidhva (The University of the West of Scotland), Debbie Tolson (The University of the West of Scotland), Neil Quinn (University of Strathclyde), Trish Hafford-Letchfield (University of Strathclyde), Rikke Iversholt, Director, Institute for Research & Innovation in Social Services, and Linda McKie (The University of Edinburgh), Sarah Christison, Sarah Noone and Bruce Mason
Funding information (if funded)
Chief Scientist Office. 6 month project.
Project Summary

Government-led mandates have sought to contain spread of coronavirus and reduce burdens on healthcare systems. This had unplanned impact on older people and their loved ones living in care homes in Scotland through social distancing and reduced personal contact. This research investigates the impact of this on the health and wellbeing of family carers. It also aims to learn from and share positive creative practices. Findings will inform longer term learning beyond COVID-19 about range and methods to support positive interactions between care home residents and their loved ones.

It has applied a mixed methods approach and has included: 35 in-depth interviews with family carers; 19 interviews with key stakeholders, most at senior level; 5 ‘creative cafes’ (or informal group sessions with care home staff); an online survey completed by 444 family carers between 31 Aug -21 Sept 2020.

Outputs / Expected Outputs

Planned outputs:

Report to funders – 23 Nov 2020, launch of findings – mid-December 2020, further dissemination/engagement activities with policy-makers; social services workforce; carers  (Dec 2020-March 2021), creation of teaching and learning resources from the work (Dec 2020-March 2021)

Policy briefs:

The Cost of separation: the impact of visiting restrictions on families of care home residents during COVID-19

Summary version:

The cost of separation: the impact of visiting restrictions on families of care home residents during COVID-19 (summary)

Long version: 

The cost of separation: the impact of visiting restrictions on families of care home residents during COVID-19

Project website
https://www.creativecovidcare.com/ 

KEYWORDS / CATEGORIES

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Care homes, social distancing and behavioural changes – an assessment of the psychosocial impact of Coronavirus on families with relatives in care homes in Scotland.