COVID-19 and Long-Term Care: the Essential Role of Family Caregivers.
COVID-19
access
dementia
family caregiver
long-term care
Journal
Canadian geriatrics journal : CGJ
ISSN: 1925-8348
Titre abrégé: Can Geriatr J
Pays: Canada
ID NLM: 101579189
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Sep 2021
Sep 2021
Historique:
entrez:
6
9
2021
pubmed:
7
9
2021
medline:
7
9
2021
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Those most at risk from severe COVID-19 infection are older adults; therefore, long-term care (LTC) facilities closed their doors to visitors and family caregivers (FCGs) during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common chronic health condition among LTC residents is dementia, and persons living with dementia (PLWD) rely on FCGs to maintain their care provision. This study aims to evaluate the impact of visitor restrictions and resulting loss of FCGs providing in-person care to PLWD in LTC during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey and follow-up focus groups were conducted June to September 2020 (n=70). Mixed quantitative (descriptive statistics) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methods were used to evaluate study data. FCGs were unable to provide in-person care and while alternative communication methods were offered, they were not always effective. FCGs experienced negative outcomes including social isolation (66%), strain (63%), and reduced quality of life (57%). PLWD showed an increase in responsive behaviours (51%) and dementia progression. Consequently, 85% of FCGs indicated they are willing to undergo specialized training to maintain access to their PLWD. FCGs need continuous access to PLWD they care for in LTC to continue providing essential care.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Those most at risk from severe COVID-19 infection are older adults; therefore, long-term care (LTC) facilities closed their doors to visitors and family caregivers (FCGs) during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common chronic health condition among LTC residents is dementia, and persons living with dementia (PLWD) rely on FCGs to maintain their care provision. This study aims to evaluate the impact of visitor restrictions and resulting loss of FCGs providing in-person care to PLWD in LTC during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHOD
METHODS
An online survey and follow-up focus groups were conducted June to September 2020 (n=70). Mixed quantitative (descriptive statistics) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methods were used to evaluate study data.
RESULTS
RESULTS
FCGs were unable to provide in-person care and while alternative communication methods were offered, they were not always effective. FCGs experienced negative outcomes including social isolation (66%), strain (63%), and reduced quality of life (57%). PLWD showed an increase in responsive behaviours (51%) and dementia progression. Consequently, 85% of FCGs indicated they are willing to undergo specialized training to maintain access to their PLWD.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
FCGs need continuous access to PLWD they care for in LTC to continue providing essential care.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34484502
doi: 10.5770/cgj.24.508
pii: cgj-24-195
pmc: PMC8390326
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
195-199Informations de copyright
© 2021 Author(s). Published by the Canadian Geriatrics Society.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES The authors declare that no conflicts of interest exist.
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