[Parental Burden, Need for Support and Resources After Almost Two Years of COVID-19-Pandemic: Results of a Representative Study in Germany]

Studies assessing the burden of families in the second year of the COVID-19-pandemic and the need for support are scarce. Burden, negative and positive changes, resources, and the need for support during the COVID-19-pandemic of a representative sample of 1,087 parents (52,0 % female; mean age 40,4) of minors in Germany were assessed in December 2021. We used a mixed-method approach.More than 50 % percent of parents were burdened about the development of the pandemic (58,5 %), restrictions in activities outside (54,8 %), the mental health of others (54,0 %), and social distance (53,7 %). Parents reported negative changes in partnership (esp. increase in conflicts and crises; 29,4 %), school development (esp. deterioration of school performance; 25,7 %), and mental health of children (38,1 %). In retrospect, over one-third of the parents saw a need for better political communication (36,0 %) and financial support (34,1 %) during the pandemic. In December, 23,8 % of parents still reported the need for support: financial (51,3 %), social (26,6 %), and psychotherapy for themselves (25,8 %). However, parents reported positive changes, especially within the family, feelings of gratitude and new attitudes. Social interaction and positive activities were identified as resources. In the second year of the pandemic, parents experienced much burden and needed support. Interventions and policies should be more targeted and needs-oriented.

Home visitor perspectives on implementing a precision approach to home visiting in communities serving Native American families

Family Spirit (FS) is a federally endorsed evidence-based home visiting programs serving as a key prevention strategy for expectant families and families with young children. Like other home-visiting programs, it shares client challenges in retention and engagement during implementation. We assessed (1) the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a precision approach to FS; and (2) differences in approaches to FS delivery. Home visitors, serving primarily Native American families, that delivered a standard (N = 6) or a precision approach (N = 6) to FS across four study sites each participated in up to four virtual focus group discussions (FGDs) (N = 16). Facilitators and barriers to implementation were identified across the curriculum approach, relational and contextual levels. Facilitators: Relevant and culturally sensitive lessons, lesson structure, client-home visitor relationship, client buy-in, home visitor autonomy, leadership support, flexible funding, and training. Barriers: Irrelevant lessons, substance use content, missing topics, families experiencing crises, client and home visitor availability, client feedback, nonsupportive leadership, inadequate funding, and organizational policies and practices. The precision approach offers (1) tailoring of lessons that supports relevance of content to clients; and (2) a target timeframe that supports flexibility in lesson delivery. This model structure may improve client participation and retention.

Older persons’ and their families’ experience with live-in foreign home care workers. A grounded theory study

Background: Live-in arrangements with migrant care workers have considerably increased over the last years since they allow older frail persons to age-in-place despite functional limitations. However, little is known about the ramifications live-in care arrangements for families. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate families’ experience with live-in migrant care workers and indicators of quality from their perspective. Method: Constructivist grounded theory study with 22 families who were recruited via care agencies in the German-speaking part of Switzerland and participated in 29 individual or dyadic interviews. Results: Live-in care by migrant care workers has potentially positive ramifications for older persons and their families, but only so if families, first, reach a consensus about the need for the employment of migrant care workers; second, experience them as competent; and third, mutually forge relationships and negotiate daily life. A successful care arrangement occurs when there is a relational fit among those involved, which leaves families feeling cared for, safe and relieved. They experience a renewed stability in their family system, enriching relationships, and assuredness about the quality present in the care situation. Conclusions: A successful care arrangement is the result of relationships that have been actively created and a negotiated shared existence in a family-like network. It has a positive effect on the well-being of those receiving care and their family members. The family-like network needs competent support.