Additional burdens of family caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of social media in Germany

Abstract

Caregiving is associated with various burdens for family caregivers. The COVID‐19 pandemic and the protective measures implemented to restrict public life, such as social distancing and the closure of services and educational institutions, add further challenges. Little is known about how they are perceived by family caregivers. Based on an analysis of German social media posts, the aim of this study was to explore the additional strains family caregivers experience during the pandemic. The websites of three social media services were searched using the respective search engines provided by the websites. Data from a 10‐month period (March to December 2020) were identified and examined. A total of 237 publicly available posts were included in the analysis. Seven main categories were identified using a thematic approach: care and support, deterioration of the condition of the person being cared for, psychological challenges, financial challenges, infection control, access to protective equipment, and acknowledgement of family caregivers. Family caregivers are affected by additional burdens during the pandemic, which makes the development of support and relief services tailored to this population group necessary.

Caregiving experiences of primary family caregivers caring for family members affected by COVID‐19 during home isolation: A phenomenology study

“…The participants interviewed in this study mentioned experiencing anxiety, depression, and anger because of the overflow of family stress, particularly when their children were labeled, or their condition worsened after contracting the virus. Caregivers' emotions fluctuate, and they worry about limited medical capacity, delayed treatment, and psychological anxiety (Fieselmann et al, 2022). Consequently, COVID-19 not only increases the physical, emotional, and economic difficulties of providing family care, but also increases the challenges associated with accessing healthcare, such as scheduling appointments and obtaining prescription medications (Beach et al, 2021).…”

Exploring informal caregivers' well‐being during COVID‐19 through online discussion forums

“…Caregivers were concerned about additional care responsibilities involved in order to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and in filling the gaps left from discontinued professional care services. Fieselmann et al [36] analysed German family caregivers' social media posts and found that COVID-19 had increased psychological challenges, such as depression and exhaustion. These challenges emerged, for example, from social isolation and the additional stress of not receiving professional caregiving help during the pandemic.…”

Effects of Social Distancing on Quality of Life and Emotional-Affective Sphere of Caregivers and Older Patients Hospitalized in Rehabilitation Departments during COVID-19 Quarantine: An Observational Study

“…This is reflected in the fact that not only patients but even caregivers have been affected, reporting high levels of anxiety and a decreased quality of life. Indeed, as a result of the preventive precautions put in place during the pandemic, family caregivers have been burdened with additional problems, prompting the creation of support and relief programs tailored to this demographic group [ 29 ].…”