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Abuse and Wellbeing of Long-Term Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Evidence from the UK

Author

Listed:
  • Eirini-Christina Saloniki

    (Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
    NIHR ARC North Thames, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Agnes Turnpenny

    (Institute of Public Care, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX2 9AT, UK)

  • Grace Collins

    (Personal Social Services Research Unit, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NF, UK)

  • Catherine Marchand

    (Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NF, UK)

  • Ann-Marie Towers

    (Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NF, UK)

  • Shereen Hussein

    (Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK)

Abstract

The UK long-term care workforce has endured difficult working conditions for many years. During the pandemic, the sector faced unprecedented challenges, which further exacerbated these conditions and brought concerns about workplace abuse and violence. Such experiences can vary by personal and work characteristics, particularly affecting minority ethnic groups. They can subsequently impact workers’ wellbeing and the sector overall. Drawing on the first wave of a UK longitudinal workforce survey, this article examined the impact of COVID-19 on social care workers’ working conditions, general health and wellbeing, and intentions to leave the employer and sector altogether. The analysis is based on both quantitative and qualitative responses 1037 valid responses received between April and June 2021. The respondents were predominantly female, working in direct care roles and mainly serving older adults (including those with dementia). The findings highlighted worrying experiences of abuse in relation to COVID-19, which differed significantly by nationality, ethnicity and care settings. The analysis further showcased the negative impact of experienced abuse on work-life balance and intentions to leave the current employer or the care sector altogether. The findings emphasise the need for targeted measures that promote workers’ physical, emotional and financial wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Eirini-Christina Saloniki & Agnes Turnpenny & Grace Collins & Catherine Marchand & Ann-Marie Towers & Shereen Hussein, 2022. "Abuse and Wellbeing of Long-Term Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Evidence from the UK," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9620-:d:880617
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Sarah Sims & Ruth Harris & Shereen Hussein & Anne Marie Rafferty & Amit Desai & Sinead Palmer & Sally Brearley & Richard Adams & Lindsay Rees & Joanne M. Fitzpatrick, 2022. "Social Distancing and Isolation Strategies to Prevent and Control the Transmission of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases in Care Homes for Older People: An International Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-28, March.
    5. Newhill, Christina E. & Wexler, Sandra, 1997. "Client violence toward children and youth services social workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 195-212.
    6. Melanie Schubert & Julia Ludwig & Alice Freiberg & Taurai Monalisa Hahne & Karla Romero Starke & Maria Girbig & Gudrun Faller & Christian Apfelbacher & Olaf von dem Knesebeck & Andreas Seidler, 2021. "Stigmatization from Work-Related COVID-19 Exposure: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-22, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Serra-Sastre, Victoria, 2024. "Workplace violence and intention to quit in the English NHS," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    2. Serra-Sastre, Victoria, 2024. "Workplace violence and intention to quit in the English NHS," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121623, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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