Face-To-Face with the Pandemic: Experiences of Staff in Portuguese Residential Care Facilities

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Afonso, RM (Author) Other; Barbosa, MM (Author) Other; Constança Paúl (Author) ICBAS; Sousa, L (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Gerontological Social Work

Vol. 65

Pages: 782-794

ISSN: 1540-4048

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-8RC

DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2022.2043505

Abstract (EN): The COVID-19 pandemic has placed care facilities for older adults under high pressure. This study aimed to identify the perception of staff in Portuguese Residential Care Facilities for Older Adults about their experience during and right after the first lockdown (March/April 2020) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It comprises 198 respondents who answered an open question about their experiences during the pandemic on an online questionnaire. The main findings suggested three themes: 1) a cascade of new needs on top of old problems; 2) working on the razor's edge: a difficult balance between protecting against the virus and maintaining one's well-being; and 3) a need for support and appreciation. The pandemic has exposed and accentuated the fragilities of Residential Care Facilities in Portugal, which operate with low budgets, and minimum staff. The measures to protect against infection have to be balanced by actions to maintain psychosocial and rehabilitation activities with the residents, to promote their well-being and functional capacity.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13