Arbetssätt och anpassningar för att motverka äldres ensamhet och isolation under pandemin. En kvalitativ studie utifrån yrkesverksammas perspektiv.

Sammanfattning

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to illuminate how assistant nurses experienced changes and challenges in work with the elderly and their loneliness during the covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, research shows that loneliness increased among the elderly, making for a social problem of interest for us to study. The perspectives of assistant nurses are relevant because of their close proximity to the elderly in their profession. Method: The study consisted of six semi-structured interviews with assistant nurses who have worked in care homes for the elderly during the pandemic. The sampling model used was that of a goal-oriented sampling focusing on certain criterias.Theory: The theoretical framework of which this study was analyzed consists of two theories. The first, presented by Tornstam (2010) pertains the activity theory and its counterpart, the theory of disengagement. Second, we used Michael Lipsky (1980) and his theory of street-level bureaucrats and discretion. These theories allowed for analysis and interpretation of the statements of the assistant nurses.Results: The study showed that loneliness as a social problem has not been prioritized during the pandemic. Assistant nurses discussed a narrowed focus on basic needs and hygiene to counter the virus. With this orientation they felt social aspects of their work were neglected. Factors contributing to this consisted of staff shortage, sick leave and assistant nurses feeling constrained in their discretion. Most of the respondents consider loneliness a real problem and have witnessed it in the care homes themselves. The assistant nurses, however, argue they have not had the resources to counteract it since the dominating way of handling the pandemic focused on distancing and social isolation.