What are the Challenges and Resilience Resources Identified by Informal Carers During the First UK COVID-19 Lockdown? A Longitudinal Qualitative Study Using Naturalistic Data



Donnellan, Warren J ORCID: 0000-0002-0224-9155, Sepulveda Garcia, Lily, Gibson, Sarah M, Butcher, Paige and Lariviere, Matthew J
(2023) What are the Challenges and Resilience Resources Identified by Informal Carers During the First UK COVID-19 Lockdown? A Longitudinal Qualitative Study Using Naturalistic Data. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH, 33 (3). pp. 236-246.

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Abstract

COVID-19 has posed serious challenges for informal carers living in the UK. This article examines some of the specific challenges facing carers and the resources they used to manage them throughout the first UK lockdown. We used a framework approach to analyse naturalistic, longitudinal data from 30 carers taking part in 96 of Mobilise's daily Virtual Cuppas between March and July 2020. We found that lack of information and social restrictions cumulatively impacted carers' sense of certainty, control and motivation. This took an emotional toll on the carers, leading to exhaustion and burden. However, carers quickly established new routines and used humour and self-care to actively manage their wellbeing. Carers received support but also provided it to those in need, including fellow members of the caregiving community, supporting an ecological approach to carer resilience. Our findings may be used to anticipate challenges and promote protective resilience resources in future lockdowns.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: caring, COVID-19, challenges, resilience, longitudinal, qualitative
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 08 Mar 2023 11:56
Last Modified: 25 Jul 2023 09:46
DOI: 10.1177/10497323221150131
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168861