Lessons learned from social isolation in nursing homes during the COVID-19 epidemic—group interview with relatives with negative experiences

Abstract Background To protect older adults and their rights, social distancing, isolation and quarantine were the key measures put in place to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Yet several studies have highlighted the importance of contact and emotional support from families for residents of long-term care facilities. The purpose of the study was to elicit the experiences and perceptions on the COVID-19 epidemic preventive measures and gain insights into the perspective of people who had family members in Slovenian nursing homes during the pandemic. Methods A qualitative descriptive research paradigm with social constructivist approach was employed. Due to COVID-related restrictions, the method of formal natural group interview was used to conduct a single group interview. The interview guide comprised five open-ended questions with prompts. A purposive sample of relatives was invited to participate, with 25 out of 34 invited relatives confirming participation. Participants were 50–85 years old and had relatives in nursing homes—most often their parents or, alternatively, their spouses/partners. Three experts facilitated the group interview which was recorded. Transcripts were coded using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained by the lead investigator’s home institution. Results Data synthesis yielded seven sub-themes and three themes: “Paternalism of authorities and health professionals” (medicine, nursing) towards residents and their relatives; “Negative impact on the health of residents and relatives”; and “The ethics of triage in relation to residents’ hospital access”. Overall, the approaches of those in charge of long-term care facilities were perceived as paternalistic and detrimental to the health and quality of life of nursing home residents during the pandemic. Conclusions Our findings corroborate other international studies on the issues experienced in long-term care facilities for older adults during the pandemic. Relatives should not be a burden for the nursing home residents and should not feel like a controlling authority, but should be an important factor for the vitality and quality of residents’ lives. Our findings highlight the key role of health professionals in nursing care homes, particularly in terms of taking responsibility for protecting the autonomy and rights of residents and their relatives. Clinical trial number Not applicable.