Il benessere (e il malessere) degli operatori socio-sanitari nelle strutture protette per anziani durante la pandemia. Riflessioni da una ricerca qualitativa

The health emergency has had a significant impact on residential care homes. Attention was focused on the high number of infections and deaths, while less attention was paid to the pandemic’s consequences on the work of the professionals and their experiences. The study involved seven Residential care homes in the North of Italy. The research’s general purpose was to understand the consequences of the pandemic on elderly people in care homes, their families, and professionals. Within this broader purpose, it was possible to ascertain the experiences of care workers during the first wave of the pandemic and which elements supported them in that period. The research followed a qualitative approach. Forty-four semi-structured interviews with managers, staff, residents and family members were carried out. The research findings could help social workers and residential care home managers identify operational paths aimed at promoting professionals well-being and implementing preventive measures.