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Author ORCID Identifier

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0934-8682)

Abstract

COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on older adults, particularly those living in nursing homes (NH) globally and in Ireland, the site of our study. Whilst NH residents were at increased risk of serious illness from the virus, visitation bans and restrictions also impacted residents' quality of life. Family members' (FMs) essential caring role was recognised in contexts like the Netherlands, parts of the United States and Ontario, Canada, but were not in Ireland. The current study explored the experiences of FMs of residents who experienced visitation bans during the first four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Eight female FMs of a resident in a NH were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and two core themes were generated of 1. Navigating the New Normal and 2. Impacts of being locked-in and locked-out. The analysis demonstrates that “guidelines” on visitation to NHs in Ireland were not always adhered to, leading to prolonged family separation. FMs describe how being locked-out, and residents being locked-in, impacted residents physically and psychologically, and FMs wellbeing. The analysis also illustrates the importance of family connection, the power imbalance between residents and NHs who enforced prolonged bans, and of FMs as advocates and carers for residents. It also indicates the importance of policy and practice responses that protect the essential caregiving role of FMs, and the rights of NH residents, in future waves of the pandemic and future crises. Policy and practice implications are discussed.

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