ABSTRACT
In the U.S., an estimated 16 million persons provide unpaid care for family and friends with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). These caregivers are experiencing challenges, such as lack social interaction, which further impacts their own health. Social isolation for caregivers is now considered to be another challenge due to living in a global pandemic. The purpose of this study was to address the gap in understanding rural informal caregiver by examining social connectedness through the use of story-guided dialogues among rural caregivers of PWD during a global pandemic. Story Theory guides intentional dialogue, to bring forward connecting with self-in-relation through use of story path, noting low, high, and turning points. The research design and analysis utilized an exploratory descriptive parallel mixed method approach with pre and post surveys and Story-Guided Dialogue (SGD). The study was guided by five research questions. The quantitative analysis employed paired samples t-test and Cronbach's Alpha. The qualitative approach consisted of structured interviews, and both contributed to the parallel mixed methods analysis.A convenience sampling of sixteen participants were recruited in rural sites. Story Theory narrative interviews were analyzed by content expert review of common themes. These themes derived from lack of social isolation displaying emotional distress of coping during and before COVID-19 and fear of their loved ones of contracting the virus during the pandemic were noted by the majority of the participants. Convergence of the data analysis using parallel mixed methods showed significant findings that during COVID-19, all caregivers experienced a lack of social networks, social connectedness, and emotional support. Participants expressed ease in feelings as the country moved forward with vaccines for their loved ones. The reflection of social interactions provided motivation for movement into the hopes of tomorrow, and towards resolution of these social connections. These shared stories identified common areas of social support and interaction by means of respite care, social interactions of attending church, and the workplace as informal support were helpful during this time. While not all quantitative findings were not significant. the study does support the need to further investigation of family/friend caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) in rural areas and their needs for healthier outcomes in the future. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)