Long-Term Residential Care Worker Mental Health: The Power of Public Recognition During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Context: Facing unprecedented barriers to providing adequate care, along with a lack of recognition from the public, long-term residential care (LTRC) workers were at risk for mental health concerns, particularly moral distress, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective and Methods: This analysis of 30 interviews with LTRC workers aimed to describe how workers were affected by the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by recognition theory, our thematic analysis identified patterned meanings of worker experiences with the interface between LTRC facilities and the public. Findings: LTRC workers’ interactions with the public often reflected a lack of recognition for workers, as workers, and their workplaces, were publicly criticised while attempting to manage new and difficult responsibilities to members of the public. Yet, instances of recognition from the public had the potential to support workers’ self-confidence, self-respect and self-esteem. LTRC workers’ experiences pointed to a need for better understanding from members of the public as part of alleviating their stress. Limitations: The interviews were not originally conducted to examine the specific research question of this analysis, and we do not imply a diagnosis of participants’ mental health. The findings may be limited by self-selection bias. Implications: This study highlights the importance of having workers’ stories shared as part of increasing public awareness of their experiences and reducing the public’s negative perceptions of their work.