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The impact of COVID-19 restrictions and care home strategies on residents with dementia as experienced by family carers in Italy.
Chirico, Ilaria; Pappadà, Alessandro; Giebel, Clarissa; Ottoboni, Giovanni; Valente, Marco; Gabbay, Mark; Chattat, Rabih.
  • Chirico I; Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
  • Pappadà A; Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
  • Giebel C; Department of Primary Care & Mental Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
  • Ottoboni G; NIHR ARC NWC, Liverpool, UK.
  • Valente M; Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
  • Gabbay M; Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
  • Chattat R; Department of Primary Care & Mental Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
Aging Ment Health ; : 1-9, 2022 Mar 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2254900
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES:

The COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures caused serious consequences for several population cohorts, including people with dementia in care homes and their families. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on care home residents with dementia as experienced by family carers in Italy. Specifically, strategies implemented to overcome the pandemic's constraints, their influence upon care, and consequences for everyday life of residents with dementia and carers were investigated.

METHODS:

Semi-structured interviews explored participants' experiences of the pandemic, its restrictions and the services' status during lockdown. Transcripts were analysed via thematic analysis.

RESULTS:

26 family carers were interviewed. Three themes emerged (1) COVID-19 restrictions negatively affected both residents with dementia and family carers, (2) Changing policies in care homes during COVID-19, and (3) Technology use in care homes during COVID-19. COVID-19 restrictions severely affected care home residents with dementia, disrupted their daily living, and accelerated their cognitive decline. Consequently carers' emotional burdens increased. Care home response strategies (safe visiting and digital solutions) were critical, though they were not enough to compensate for the lack of close in-person contacts.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mixed evidence emerged about the feasibility of care home strategies and their associated benefits. To meet arising needs and possible future pandemic waves, there is a need for updated health strategies. These should prioritise a continuity of therapeutic activities and minimize negative effects on residents' quality of life, whilst incorporating feasible and accessible digital solutions to provide remote communication and psychological support for family carers.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Aging Ment Health Journal subject: Geriatrics / Psychology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 13607863.2022.2056137

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Aging Ment Health Journal subject: Geriatrics / Psychology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 13607863.2022.2056137