Indexed in

License and use

Citations

Cited 2 times in

Altmetrics

Grant support

Funded by the Foundation for Biosanitary Research and Innovation in Primary Care (FIIBAP) and the Autonomous Community of Madrid Regional Ministry of Health through non-refundable grants from the credits awarded to the Madrid region by the Spanish Government'sCOVID-19 Fund, included in Order HAC/667/2020 and co-funded by the healthstartPlus programme of the Autonomous Community of Madrid and EU (REACT-EU programme of European Regional Development Fund).

Analysis of institutional authors

Share

Family Caregivers' Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study

Publicated to:Healthcare (Basel). 12 (10): 970- - 2024-05-01 12(10), DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12100970

Authors: Rico-Blazquez, Milagros; Sanchez-Ruano, Raquel; Oter-Quintana, Cristina; Polentinos-Castro, Elena; Martin-Garcia, Angel; Otones-Reyes, Pedro; Gonzalez-Beltran, Damian; Martinez-Marcos, Mercedes

Affiliations

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed lockdown measures that affected caregiving. Understanding caregivers' context provides reveals their adaptive strategies to continue caring in this situation of uncertainty and isolation. Objective: To better understand the caregiving experiences of caregivers looking after dependent individuals living in the community during the pandemic. Design: Qualitative research, phenomenological approach. Setting: Primary healthcare centers in Madrid region (Spain). Participants: 21 family caregivers. Methods: Purposive and theoretical sampling was used to recruit caregivers across nurses from primary healthcare centers. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide to explore the caring experience. Interview transcripts were evaluated using thematic analysis. Results: The findings were categorized into two themes: "Caregivers during lockdown-providing care in a time of adversity" and "Caregiving toward normality". The sub-themes identified were the re-structuring of before-care services and the introduction of new care approaches, managing the dependent person's health problems, looking after oneself, and dealing with adversity. To adapt to the new normal, strategies were put in place designed to recover confidence and trust, reincorporate assistance, and reconnect with others. Conclusions: Care intensified during the pandemic. Caregivers took on the task without assistance, focusing on preventing contagion and protecting themselves to be able to continue giving care.

Keywords