This research report (90 pages, in French) describes the experience of caregivers of older adults living in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also offers recommendations as to how to improve support. The research is based on a critical ethnography conducted through field observations and interviews with caregivers. The experience of caregivers is described based on five themes:
- The dyad of an elderly person/caregiver who is having difficulty experiencing the forced separation
- Inhumane, questionable or exceptionally appreciated care, both during life and after death
- Inequalities in communication skills and practices: from inertia to creativity
- A few, some or a great many constraints on visiting, even after visits are officially permitted
- Shelters as communities within a society that largely ignores them
The recommendations put forth by caregivers during the research are also highlighted.
A webinar(1h03, in French) summarizes the main findings, research methodology and recommendations. It first aired on by Anne Bourbonnais and the Research Chair in Nursing Care for Older People and their Families as part of the Communauté de pratique Proche aidance, it aired on May 17, 2022.
A video presentation (11 min) looks at the research and synthesizes its findings. The presentation was put together by Anne Bourbonnais and the Research Chair in Nursing Care for Older People and their Families as part of the 50th annual scientific and education meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology in October 2021.
