Table 2.

Most frequently coded themes and their subthemes on how the pandemic affected the daily lives as reported by clients (n = 9) during phone interviews of Safe Home Care COVID-19 qualitative study

Themes	Subthemes	Frequency coded
Fear of risk of infection	• Going out only when necessary  o Feeling worried and being more alert when going out  o Washing clothes each time after going out  o Food shopper does the groceries • Concerned about being a carrier and spreading the virus • Washing hands more often	***
Less physical connection with others	• Physical distancing guidelines • Communicating on the phone more than seeing each other in-person • Unable to interact with other residents like before pandemic • Family member can no longer assist with compression stocking removal	***
Little change prior to pandemic	• Did not go out much prior to pandemic • Calls and visits from family to check in/ help out • Neighbor visits and wears a mask • Client continues receiving treatments at hospital	***
Telehealth use	• Video telehealth technology not commonly used  o Connection problems • The phone is the most used communication tool  o Communication with HC-service case managers, nurses	***
Wearing masks	• Client wears a mask for medical appointments • Client cannot wear a mask due to the health condition • Difficulty hearing others speak • Difficulty reading lips when HC aides and other people wear masks	**

Coding frequencies (n = 9): *** 5 or more participants; ** 2–4 participants.