Navigating WeChat in COVID Times as a Chinese Care Home Resident

Abstract

Context: In New Zealand, COVID-19-related lockdowns led to the implementation of visiting restrictions in care homes. This placed residents at risk of isolation. The Chinese community is a fast-growing ethnic group and faces additional difficulties, including language and cultural barriers. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) may enhance communication and maintain social connectedness between families and care homes during lockdowns. Objective(s): To explore the role of technology in the experiences of Chinese care home residents living in New Zealand during three lockdown periods from 2020 to mid-2021. Method(s): We performed semi-structured interviews with predominantly Chinese individuals (n = 18) across two Chinese-run care homes in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants included residents (n = 6), family members (n = 6) and facility staff (n = 6). Interviews were conducted and transcribed in either English or Mandarin Chinese, then coded and analysed to synthesise themes. Findings: We identified five themes: (i) an online care home community via WeChat, (ii) benefits of technology, (iii) barriers to technology use, (iv) the infodemic: technology as information overload and (v) the use of technology post-lockdowns. Limitations: Sample sizes for each sub-group were limited. The generalisability of findings is limited to those with no dementia or mild dementia. Residents with more severe dementia were excluded from the study but might also have benefitted from the intervention. Implications: The main finding of this study is that WeChat is an effective means of maintaining social connections in the Chinese care home community, particularly when usage is facilitated by staff. We recommend care homes consider using social media platforms to connect residents with the outside world. Sufficient resources, training and staff are needed to advocate for care home residents to be part of a digital community in a way that is culturally relevant.