The purpose of this study is to reveal from a phenomenological point of view what caring labor experiences and social communication are perceived by caregivers in long-term care institutions such as nursing facilities, daytime protection, and home vis...
The purpose of this study is to reveal from a phenomenological point of view what caring labor experiences and social communication are perceived by caregivers in long-term care institutions such as nursing facilities, daytime protection, and home visits in the COVID-19 environment ahead of the entry into a super-aged society. This is to promote the health of the social community through research on the socio-cultural context and health communication level of caregivers. To this end, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 9 caregivers residing in W city of K province of ROK. As a result of the interview data analysis, 64 central meanings of the semantic units, which are vivid statements of the study participants, were discovered, and 16 situational structures, each unique experience of the study participants, were derived from this. Then, in the experience of the study participants, the common situation was connected to a general structure of 5 stages, and finally, care labor and social communication experiences were described to identify the final 7 essential topics. As a result of the study, first, it was found that more strengthened care and support are needed for the health underprivileged in the era of the pandemic. Second, active communication efforts for care work sites should be supported. Third, it was found that education and psychological counseling for caregivers were necessary. Fourth, it was found that a social campaign is needed to make it possible to recognize the valuable role of caregivers. Lastly, the suggestion of this study suggested that the media should pay attention to the public role of caregivers in the health of the community, improving qualification and training courses, improving the treatment of caregivers, and reinforcing refresher training, etc.