ABSTRACT
Background Family dementia caregiving is associated with a high burden on the caregiving relatives. With the worldwide spread of coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2, new stress factors were added for both the caregivers and the PwD, as they had to further limit their social contacts due to statutory restrictions and they belong to the groups of people with a higher risk of a severe COVID‐19 disease course. Our aim was therefore, to investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the care situation and well‐being of family dementia caregivers. Method Semi‐structured telephone interviews with family dementia caregivers (n = 20) were conducted, recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. This study was embedded within a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effectiveness of a digitally supported care management programme. Result Negative consequences reported were a decrease in support for caregiving responsibilities, adverse consequences for the PwD, and problems in connection with organising a COVID‐19 vaccination. New care requirements included the responsibility to ensure that the PwD complies with the corona security measures as well as the additional care tasks for the family caregivers that could no longer be guaranteed by third parties. Positive changes that were highlighted by some participants were that they had more time for their care responsibilities due to fewer visits from family or friends and as well as reduced perceived stress for the PwD. For the majority of participants, the impact was primarily reduced by the persistence of private and professional support services and their own coping strategies. Conclusion Despite some negative consequences, the results showed that the COVID‐19 pandemic had little overall impact on the caregiving situation of family dementia caregivers. These were surprising results as they stand in contrast to previous research findings. The overall low impact reported could be due to several factors. The interviews took place around the time of the second lockdown in Germany, which was generally described as a "light version” with back‐up measurements in place ensuring healthcare services operating almost as usual. In addition, an already restricted lifestyle as well as the fact that some caregivers received a care management programme at the time could have mitigated the impact.