What relatives of care home residents in Leeds are saying about their family member's emotional wellbeing (COVID)

Between 4th—12th June 2020, relatives of care home residents responded to Healthwatch Leeds' online survey which asked about their family member’s wellbeing and what the care home had been doing to support them during lockdown.

They found that relatives of care home residents felt that their loved one’s wellbeing was worse than before lockdown, primarily because they have missed out on the emotional support they usually get from their family. It has also affected their eating habits. Being isolated in their rooms had also exacerbated a decline in their wellbeing- some have expressed suicidal thoughts. Residents with dementia found it particularly hard to the changes in routine following lockdown. Some relatives weren’t sure how their family were coping as they were unable to communicate with them. Although, care homes have tried to provide one-on-one support, evidence suggests that activities seemed to have reduced during lockdown, resulting in a lack of stimulation. This all in turn had affected the wellbeing of relatives too.  

The report contains recommendations for decision makers including government bodies (Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England, Care Quality Commission and NHS England) as well as Leeds City Council Adults and Health and Leeds CCG and for care homes.