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Living Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experiences of People With Profound and Multiple Intellectual Disabilities
Dawn E Cavanagh1, Sue Caton1, Jodie Rawles1
1Department of Social Care and Social Work, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
Background:
People with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities were disproportionately negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Few studies exist about the perceived longer-term impact of the pandemic on this group.
Methods:
Data were collected through a two-stage narrative interview process. Six family members told their story about what their relative's lives were like at the first COVID-19 'lockdown', what their lives were like now, and what they hoped their lives would be like in the future. A second interview filled any gaps in the narrative. Data were analysed thematically.
Results:
Four themes were identified: Deeping exclusion and inequality; 'I still haven't recovered'- Exhausted by the pandemic; A traumatic time-Disrupted routines, activities, and relationships and 'The future is a scary place.'
Conclusions:
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing health and social inequalities, leading to new uncertainties post-pandemic. Addressing the existing deficit in service provision should be an urgent priority.
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