A Survey of the Challenges Faced by Individuals with Disabilities and Unpaid Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected many individuals. In particular, it is likely that individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers were disproportionately affected, however, its exact impact is largely unknown. The primary objective of this work was to identify challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers. A secondary objective was to identify potential solutions to the major challenges experienced by both populations. Two surveys were administered online to individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, respectively between September 2020 and January 2021. We used an inductive thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm to analyze survey responses. A total of 111 survey responses were collected amongst both surveys. Separate thematic maps were created for individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, and maps were drawn to compare challenges. Potential solutions to mitigate the challenges experienced by both populations include revising financial assistance programs and improving awareness of support programs that are available.

The impact of the COVID-19 virus and pandemic on healthcare utilization, access, delivery, experiences, and outcomes in the spinal cord injuries/dysfunction population: A scoping review study

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented and significant shifts worldwide in healthcare delivery [ 1 – 3 ], services, utilization [ 4 , 5 ], access [ 6 ], outcomes [ 7 ], and experiences [ 8 – 10 ]. Individuals who require frequent interactions with the healthcare system were likely impacted by these rapid changes.…”

Identifying Research Priorities to Promote the Well-Being of Family Caregivers of Canadians with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Delphi Study

“…However, in the context of developing appropriate structures to support the families of people living with IDD (inclusive of the persons with IDD themselves), the well-being of family caregivers also deserves considerable attention. Family caregivers are considered the backbone of social care provision [18], and their wellbeing is inter-dependent on the well-being of their care recipients, underscoring the need to advance knowledge about how best to optimize disability-related supports for families of people with IDD [19][20][21]. In Canada, support mechanisms, including formal support delivered through paid providers (psychiatrists, social workers, rehabilitation providers, etc., in integrated health teams) [22] or a combination of provincial, territorial, and federal public benefit schemes (Federal Child Disability Benefit, Canada Caregiver Credit, Ontario Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, etc.…”