The University of Edinburgh and collaborating partners are currently conducting research into the psychological impact that lockdown restrictions have had on the families of care home residents. This is not only an extremely important piece of research, but a wonderful example of collaboration across Scottish research institutions which we want to share with you.
This research aims to better understand the impact of Coronavirus social distancing in addition to behavioural changes on families of care home residents in Scotland. Research questions include:
- What are the social and emotional impacts of social distancing and other behavioural changes imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic on family carers of older people living in care homes?
- What creative practices have been introduced to keep them connected and involved in care decisions, and which good practices can be shared and rolled out?
- What strategies are available to support relatives coping with any subsequent mental health impact of enforced isolation caused by social distancing required by the COVID-19 pandemic during this stressful period?
- What is the specific role of technology in facilitating connections between care home residents and their relatives?
- How can policymakers support the process of connecting people facing such challenging circumstances in care homes now and in the future?
As part of this study, the research team have launched a survey which focuses on emotional wellbeing and ways in which lockdown and being unable to visit your family member/friend, has impacted carers.
Should you wish to participate you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire which should take 15-20 minutes.
If you would like to take part in this research, Click here to begin the survey
For the full details of the survey and what is involved, please see the Participant Information which is linked in the Survey.
For more information on the project, visit https://www.creativecovidcare.com/
Notes
Study collaborators include:
• From the University of Edinburgh: Professor Linda McKie, School of Social and Political Science, Professor Lynn Jamieson, School of Social and Political Science, Dr Sumeet Jain, School of Social and Political Science, Dr Jo Hockley, Usher Institute.
• From the University of the West of Scotland: Dr Dina Sidhva, Social Work, School of Education and Social Sciences and Professor Debbie Tolson, Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice/School of Health and Life Sciences.
• From the University of Strathclyde: Dr Neil Quinn, Centre for Health Policy/School of Social Work and Social Policy and Prof Trish Hafford-Letchfield, School of Social Work and Social Policy.
• From the Institute for Research and Innovations in Social Services: Rikke Iversholt, Director
• Project Research Fellows: Dr Sarah Noone (based at UWS) and Dr Bruce Mason (based at UoE).
Dr George Palattiyil, Principal Investigator, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh.