Elder Care in Serbia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Happens When Closeness Becomes an Impediment to Care?

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the profound impacts of the pandemic on elder care in Serbia. Specifically, it seeks to understand the adjustments made in care practices when physical proximity became an impediment for care. The research employs a qualitative approach, analysing data from 40 interviews conducted with elder care providers and recipients between April and September 2022. Care providers and recipients were recruited from public and private care homes, home-based care services. Ethical approval was ensuring compliance with international standards. The study investigates how elder care was managed in diverse settings, including rural and urban areas, homes, and care facilities. It reveals varied responses and strategies adopted by care providers and recipients amidst reduced physical interaction constraints. Key findings underscore the significant impact of the pandemic on elder care, highlighting intra-generational solidarity and the increased reliance on older female household members for care provision. However, it also exposes the challenges faced by those in public eldercare homes or receiving home assistance, including limited care and a lack of closeness. Our study emphasizes the urgent need for policy and support systems tailored to address the specific challenges encountered in elder care, particularly during times of crisis such as a pandemic.