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.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of family and professional caregivers of persons with dementia in order to design a tailored community-based support programme.
Design: A two-stage study was deployed. First, qualitative research draws on three focus groups.
Background: As Alzheimer disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) progress, individuals increasingly require assistance from unpaid, informal caregivers to support them in activities of daily living. These caregivers may experience high levels of financial, mental, and physical strain associated with providing care. CareVirtue is a web-based tool created to connect and support multiple individuals across a care network to coordinate care activities and share important information, thereby reducing care burden.
Background: Most individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) experience one or more neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as agitation which negatively impacts their quality of life. Adapted dance integrates recorded music and movement that is appropriate for people with cognitive limitations. Adapted dance may be an enjoyable activity for persons living with ADRD and may provide psychological and physical benefits.
Background: The importance of social health is increasingly recognized in dementia research. For most people living with dementia, their social environment changes as the disease progresses, especially when they move into a long-term care facility. However, maintaining social interactions in the new living environment contributes significantly to health and quality of life.
Background: Self-neglect is a serious public health problem affecting older people. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of self-neglect and related factors in the elderly, which has become more important with the increase in the elderly population.
Methods: The cross-sectional study included individuals aged 65 years and over.
