Effects of Communication during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Employees of Homes for the Elderly and Infirm

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a pervasive problem that has affected all segments of endeavour, especially in the social welfare system. Consequently, the high risk of COVID-19 infections of the users of homes for the elderly and infirm and employees is known. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance and role of employees in homes for the elderly and infirm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this paper highlights the dangers, threats or challenges faced by employees in homes for the elderly and infirm since they are directly and daily in communication and interaction with the most at-risk group. Furthermore, the paper points to the need for support systems in which interpersonal communication with employees is necessary in order to preserve work activity. The authors present the results of a survey conducted on a sample of 132 employees. The results show how much the communication process during the pandemic affects employees and their approach to work with the aim of preserving their psychological state and thus the life quality of people placed in homes for the elderly and infirm.