Home care depression increased

Hanna Helder studied German language and literature at the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg. In addition to her studies, she has gained a lot of experience in radio and print journalism through internships and freelance work. She has been at the Burda School of Journalism since October 2018 and writes, among other things, as a trainee for

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Due to the contact bans imposed in the Corona crisis, many feel lonely - especially older people who are cared for at home.

More loneliness or depressive moods

Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, the situation of older people who are cared for at home has deteriorated significantly, according to the findings of a socio-educational study. An online survey of 330 caring relatives showed that almost three quarters of them perceived an increase in loneliness or depressive moods in the person in need of care, as the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz announced on Wednesday.

"Negative effects of contact restrictions"

"This shows the negative effects of the contact restrictions imposed," explain the authors of the study, headed by Vincent Horn and Cornelia Schweppe at the Institute for Educational Science.

85 percent of those surveyed said that visits by relatives, acquaintances or friends were restricted due to the pandemic. "Almost half of the family carers also restricted their contact with the person in need of care."

Relatives feel overwhelmed

"Our results make it clear that the already precarious home care for the elderly is becoming more acute under Covid-19," explained Schweppe. The particularly vulnerable population group, like their caregivers, is "extremely neglected".

More than half of the relatives surveyed stated that care was more stressful than before the start of the pandemic. 38 percent stated that they felt overwhelmed in the current care situation. "High levels of stress on caregiving relatives have long been identified as an important factor in violence in care," said Horn.

Help in a crisis

It is all the more important that those in need of care and relatives who are caring for them seek help in a crisis. Fortunately, there are enough counseling offers - for specific legal and financial questions as well as for problems with care itself or with the emotional burden. The advice database of the Center for Quality in Nursing (ZQP) offers an overview of nationwide and local contact points.

Those who are cared for at home and are lonely due to the contact restrictions and precautionary measures can, for example, turn to the "Silver Net". On the toll-free number 0800 4 70 80 90, the network offers an open ear to anyone aged 60 and over from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. Nationwide, free of charge and anonymously. (hh / dpa)

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