Social Impact of Physical Distancing on Vulnerable Populations during COVID-19

The aim of this mixed-method social science study is to document the challenges, experiences and creativity of socially vulnerable Dutch populations during social isolation. What kinds of problems do people run into? Do they find solutions to these problems? What (other) solutions can be generated? How can policy support these solutions? The main target groups are: 1) older adults, among those people living alone; people with dementia; people living in care- and nursing homes; 2) people with severe psychiatric problems; 3) people with learning disabilities; 4) homeless populations.; 5) families with young children, and 6) families deaing with issues of domestic violence (indirect through professionals). Our aim is to provide actionable lessons about measures that can be taken to sustain social distancing. The rationale for this is that, if we have better insight in what the challenges are for vulnerable people to endure social isolation, we can develop policy and communication strategies to remedy this. Hence, social isolation can be made more humane and easier to bear. Using existing networks, we will conduct digital ethnographic and survey research among professionals, family, and others caring for groups regarded as vulnerable. We will assess what problems people experience and document solutions people find. We will distill policy lessons learned in consultation with societal partners and provide recommendations.