Understanding the Lived Experiences of Inmates in Palliative Care Homes During the Corona Virus (Covid-19) Pandemic: An African Perspective

CORONA Virus commomly known as COVID-19 reconfigured most life processes including day to day operations in palliative care homes. A ‘new normal’ was thrust in the world. In this research we examined the experiences of inmates at Mashambanzou Palliative Care Trust (MPCT) in Harare, Zimbabwe during COVID-19. The study was qualitative and a phenomenological research design was employed. A sample of thirty-six inmates and seven key informants participated in this research. Thematic analysis was applied to understand the experiences of inmates in care homes. The study established that COVID-19 seriously affected inmates in care homes socially, psychologically, emotionally and further dented their economic and social standing. Inmates in palliative care homes reported being separated from their families for very long periods and this lack of social connection between inmates and their families heightened their worries. Furthermore respondents highlighted that lock down for inmates meant loss of livelihoods for most families as those inmates are usually bread winners of their families and the fact that they could not fend for their children complicates their situation. This triggered psychological and emotional distress as challenges affecting their families also affect them. The fact that they are cut off from their families delays healing for the inmates. The respondents also noted that COVID-19 has brought challenges for those who care for vulnerable groups especially those taking care of those in care homes. Respondents noted that limited PPEs in the care homes meant that inmates were exposed to the dangers of COVID-19. The research recommends continual psychosocial and emotional empowerment to inmates to deal with COVID 19 related stress, and for government to consider emergency relief to inmates to fend off economic challenges. Received: 21 January 2026 / Accepted: 27 February 2026 / Published: January 2026