ABSTRACT
The coronavirus pandemic has led to an exceptional number of critical care hospitalizations followed by extended recovery periods that necessitate familial support. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study aimed to examine the strategies used by families to adjust to the caregiving role. Semi-structured interviews of patients who had been recently discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (n=16) along with their family caregivers (n=16) were thematically analyzed. Three major themes were identified that highlight how family caregivers adapt to the caregiving role following an ICU COVID-19 related hospitalization including 1) engaging the support of family and friends, 2) shifting responsibilities to accommodate caregiving, and 3) managing one's emotions. Additional themes more specifically related to managing COVID-19 care included: 1) managing infection control, 2) care recipient's need for independence, and 3) managing support services. Flexibility and sufficient support allowed family caregivers to manage their new caregiving role and function optimally.
ABSTRACT
This study examines the prevalence of pandemic-specific care supports and challenges (e.g., increased support from family and friends, difficulty accessing respite care, confusion on public health guidelines) and associations with stress and well-being among 100 family caregivers for persons living with dementia interviewed in 2021. Pandemic care challenges were common- 52% reported a decrease in support from family and friends, 43% had difficulty accessing medical care, and 31% had difficulty getting needed in-home and out-of-home services. Accounting for demographics and the care context, difficulties accessing various types of respite care (e.g., paid respite care, respite from family/friends) were associated with caregiver stress, burden, and less positive affect. Pandemic supports, including increased support from family and friends and receiving information on COVID-care were associated with greater positive affect, but not caregiver stress. While care-supports enhanced well-being, efforts to help caregivers take breaks from caregiving may have significant impact on reducing stress.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic carries risk for severe complications and mortality among older adults, placing their family caregivers in key support roles in helping their care recipients stay safe, maintain function, and abide by preventative recommendations. Yet such preventative safety precautions, changes to social support structures, and impacts on healthcare access may pose challenges with which caregivers must cope. This symposium considers how family caregivers adapted their care practices and adjusted to care-related challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, Dr. Amanda Leggett presents data on pandemic-specific care-related challenges and supports experienced by dementia caregivers and their association with well-being and stress process outcomes. Ms. Sara Masoud shares mixed-methods data from persons living with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on their health and quality of life during the pandemic. Mr. Jiaming Liang presents dyadic findings from the National Study of Caregiving on persons living with dementia and their caregivers' perceptions of COVID-19 and personal and social COVID-specific preventative behaviors. Finally, Dr. Sheria Robinson-Lane offers a diverse caregiving perspective by presenting dyadic qualitative data on COVID-19 patients who were intubated in the hospital and their family caregiver, and offering themes on how caregivers adjusted to their new care role. To conclude, our discussant Dr. Laura Gitlin will offer insight on cross-cutting implications across studies and offer perspective on how lessons learned through pandemic caregiving may inform the field more broadly and enhance caregiver well-being beyond pandemic contexts.