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Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Positive Aspects of Dementia Caregiving During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Clinical Gerontologist, Vol.45(1), pp.86-96
2022
PMID: 34080958
Abstract
Objectives: This project investigated experiences of caregivers of people living with dementia during COVID-19. We recorded caregivers’ perceptions of care before, during, and moving forward from COVID-19, emphasizing positive experiences, coping strategies, creative care adaptation, strengths demonstrated, and benefits of providing care.
Methods: Allied health professionals conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 informal caregivers of people living with dementia. We categorized and thematically analyzed responses as before, during or moving forward from COVID-19.
Results: A range of themes were derived from the data. Pre-pandemic care: (1) focusing on the person living with dementia and (2) working together. During-pandemic care: (1) respecting personhood; (2) connecting with virtues and values; (3) improving relationships; (4) seeking and receiving support; (5) prioritizing self-care; (6) being protective and proactive; (7) making practical changes. Moving forward from COVID-19: (1) strengthening commitment to the person living with dementia, (2) looking after my own needs, and (3) considering practical requirements.
Conclusions: Participants reported positive caregiving experiences in all timeframes, focusing more on their own needs and experiences during and moving forward from COVID-19. This research may highlight informal caregivers’ challenges and needs.
Clinical implications: Enforced isolation produced deeper connections for some caregivers. Caregivers benefit from resources facilitating adaptive care.
Details
- Title
- Positive Aspects of Dementia Caregiving During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Authors
- Kristen Tulloch (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyTrudy McCaul (Author) - The University of QueenslandTheresa L Scott (Author) - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Clinical Gerontologist, Vol.45(1), pp.86-96
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.1080/07317115.2021.1929630
- ISSN
- 1545-2301; 0731-7115
- PMID
- 34080958
- Copyright note
- © 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99560308902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Geriatrics & Gerontology
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
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Source: InCites