The Meaning of Roles and Routines for Families Experiencing Homelessness in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of mothers experiencing homelessness amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were completed with nine mothers and analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes uncovered during the interviews highlighted sources of motivation and perseverance, additional and ongoing impacts of COVID-19, sources of further mental anguish, and unmet needs challenging roles and routines. Notably, the identity of being a mother and the value placed on that role significantly influenced their daily routines and engagement in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners can utilize these findings to deliver contextually sensitive care tailored to the unique circumstances and immediate requirements of this population.

Keywords:

• Homeless
• marginalized
• occupational therapy
• parenting
• qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Touro University Nevada, Student Research Fellowship Grant.