Making Meaning of Integrated Care during a Pandemic: Learning from Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate meaning-making in 57 older predominantly female adults (M = 72.68) required to temporarily cease attending a university-affiliated integrated care clinic in Australia with a focus on exercise and well-being due to COVID-19 restrictions, specifically regarding consequential grief, loss, hopelessness, and loss of purpose. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by telephone interviews and an online survey. RESULTS: Results indicated that most participants valued attending the Clinic, and experienced a number of physical, social and emotional benefits from attending, including a sense of meaning. Specifically, some participants developed social connections, learned to cope more effectively with mental health conditions, and regained strength following stressful or traumatic events through their attendance at the clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Throughout the pandemic, most participants retained their resilience and continued to derive meaning from various sources, including their families, careers, interests, and attitude toward life. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Older adults may experience enhanced physical, emotional and social health from engaging in community-based programs focused on exercise and overall wellness. Furthermore, meaning-making has the potential to buffer the harmful effects of stress and traumatic events on the physical, emotional and social health of older adults.

Positive Aspects of Dementia Caregiving During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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.