In my thesis I researched the comparison of social work in homes in the Podravska region before and during the epidemic. I discovered where the changes took place and in which areas there was the greatest differentiation. I researched the consequences that measures to contain the epidemic have brought to homes. In the theoretical part, I presented the topic of population aging, continued with a description of social work with the elderly and also focused on social work in nursing homes. I presented the impact of covid-19 on the health and lives of the elderly, and the last chapter in the theoretical part was focused on ways to restrict covid-19 in nursing homes and the impact that these measures have left on homes and residents. My research is qualitative, the basic material I used is a book by Jana Mali, entitled Od hiralnic do domov za stare ljudi. I conducted interviews with seven social workers who were employed in nursing homes in the Podravska region before and during the epidemic. The results showed a fairly similar workflow between the homes included in the pre-epidemic study. The results also showed that homes for older people were operating in a similar way during the epidemic itself. Before the epidemic, interactions in homes took place directly, through physical contacts, and home life was undisturbed. During the epidemic, however, interactions took place indirectly, through media such as telephone and computer, with minimal physical contact of the home with the outside world and with obstructed course of social life in homes for older people. The work of the employees in the homes changed overnight, they were faced with many challenges, and at the same time the changes were very difficult for the residents and relatives. The social work profession was put to the test during the epidemic. During that time, social workers faced increased workloads, which led to time constraints and consequently extended working hours. They were exposed to mental and physical exertion, which led to overwork and burnout. However, they did not work only in their field of specialization, but they also helped in all areas where staff shortages occurred. Interpretation of the results points to areas that should be improved in the future in terms of the experiences and needs of all three worlds; residents, relatives and employees. I believe that homes for older people should explore how to prepare for dealing with a repeat epidemiological case. Homes for older people must have crisis plans to limit infections and redeploy residents. Employees who are exposed to emergency work must be cared for through training and support groups.
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