Experiences of Care Providers Working in Long-Term Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: In this qualitative study, care providers from long-term care homes were interviewed to explore how they experienced, coped with, and adapted to care shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Thirteen multidisciplinary care providers and 24 supervisory and administrative staff participated in either a focus group or individual interview between July 2021 and February 2022. Participants were front-line care providers in 5 urban long-term care homes in western Canada. Results: Care providers described negative impacts on residents and family members related to service delivery, restricted visiting, and quarantining protocols. They also identified negative impacts they experienced as care providers including fear and uncertainty, exhaustion, concerns about care provision, lower morale, and job self-efficacy. Buffers to stress comprised working as an integrated team and organizational support. Opportunities for growth and development and being adaptive were also described. Recommendations focused on organizational pandemic readiness and the importance of holistic care. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to proactively ensure a supportive infrastructure, wellness-promoting work culture, and a sustainable resource plan to help care providers pivot and adapt in a pandemic.