Impact of COVID-19 on Care Homes: A Qualitative Study of Experiences of Black Carers in UK

Abstract

Paul Wesley Thompson

Background: COVID-19 has drastically impacted care home residents, families, and staff. However, little is known about the impact of this pandemic on carers from the ethnically minoritised background. The present research explored the experiences of UK’s black carers during COVID-19.

Methods: A semi-structured interview-based qualitative study was conducted involving black carers from Berkshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire. Interviews were conducted online through Microsoft Teams, and a thematic analysis was performed on verbatim transcribed interviews.

Results: The present study included 15 participants from three UK counties which have a large number of care homes. The analysis of interviews resulted in the development of seven themes: 1) reactions to COVID, 2) infection control in the work environment, 3) workplace discrimination, 4) impact of COVID on well-being, 5) coping mechanisms and impact of deaths, 6) reflection on challenges, and 7) recommendations to care home managers.

Conclusion: The black carers reported a substantial impact on their mental and physical health. They recognized the need for timely information, sufficient and fair availability of PPEs, more support, better communication, and equitable work distribution to maintain their mental and physical health.

PDF