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‘Safety First’: Residents, Families, and Healthcare Staff Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions at an Irish Residential Care Centre

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Connolly

    (School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
    Education & Research Centre, Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, Harold’s Cross, D6W RY72 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Anita Duffy

    (Education & Research Centre, Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, Harold’s Cross, D6W RY72 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Mary Ryder

    (School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Fiona Timmins

    (School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the need to stem the transmission and protect the most vulnerable in society led to infection control restrictions effectively locking down an entire country. These restrictions were also imposed on residential care settings for older people, initially in March 2020, and subsequently at varying times throughout the year that followed. Furthermore, the restrictions led to the suspension in all visiting to residents expect in exceptional circumstances and on compassionate grounds. The purpose of this research study was to develop an understanding of the experience of residents, their families, and carers in an Irish residential care setting during the COVID-19 lockdown. Data were collected in a residential care centre for older people in Ireland, using semi-structured interviews of residents, family members and staff. Interviews were conducted in person for residents and virtually for family members and staff. In total 29 people were interviewed. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic data analysis approach. Four themes and three subthemes were developed from the data. The main themes were ‘difficult but safe’, ‘communication’, ‘staff going above and beyond’, ‘what about the future?’ Residents, families and staff of the residential care setting had to manage and cope with the challenges of the restrictions imposed during COVID-19 lockdown. This study highlighted the negative impacts of visiting restrictions on staff, residents and their family members during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Connolly & Anita Duffy & Mary Ryder & Fiona Timmins, 2022. "‘Safety First’: Residents, Families, and Healthcare Staff Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions at an Irish Residential Care Centre," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14002-:d:955283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Debanjan Banerjee & Mayank Rai, 2020. "Social isolation in Covid-19: The impact of loneliness," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(6), pages 525-527, September.
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