Background The devastating effect of COVID-19 has been felt worldwide. Hospitals garnered significant attention, but the immense vulnerabilities in community settings-including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities-were quickly realized. As the crisis subsides, it is critical we learn from professionals who worked during this time, and generate evidence for informing resilience, particularly in long-term care. In respect of the traumatic, individualized, and sensitive nature of these experiences, and in appreciation of the need for depth of information from which to advance improvement, a qualitative approach is essential.

Objectives 1) Describe the experiences of providers caring for residents with disabilities during a COVID-19 outbreak; 2) critically examine the enablers/challenges regarding their emotional well-being during the outbreak; and 3) develop context-specific strategies for change, and determining disaster preparedness.

Methods Providers from a group home for adults with developmental and physical disabilities were recruited for this arts-based case study; in spring 2020 they had a COVID-19 outbreak and six residents died. Participants are making art (e.g., painting, poems) to express their experience, which is further explored in interviews/focus groups.

Results Eleven providers have volunteered. They describe the outbreak as life-altering. A repeated descriptor is ‘war zone’; participants were not sure they would survive it. Unwillingness to leave residents-viewed as family-made for feelings of guilt when providers finally relented to going home despite having worked a 16-hour shift. Additional results will be shared.

Conclusions One participant stated, ‘I think what we went through will be informative to others and I would hope to experience some healing through it as well.’ Meaningful, sustained improvement will not occur unless we systematically, respectfully document the words and unpack the complexities of what it was like for those who provided care during the crisis of COVID-19; only then can we build anew.