School of Psychology, McElwain Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Australia.
Clin Gerontol. 2022 Jan-Feb;45(1):86-96. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1929630. Epub 2021 Jun 3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enforced isolation produced deeper connections for some caregivers. Caregivers benefit from resources facilitating adaptive care.
本研究调查了 COVID-19 期间痴呆症患者照顾者的体验。我们记录了照顾者在 COVID-19 之前、期间和之后对护理的看法，强调积极的体验、应对策略、创造性的护理适应、表现出的优势以及提供护理的益处。
医疗保健专业人员对 26 名痴呆症患者的非专业照顾者进行了半结构化访谈。我们根据 COVID-19 之前、期间和之后对回答进行了分类和主题分析。
从数据中得出了一系列主题。大流行前的护理：(1) 关注痴呆症患者；(2) 共同努力。大流行期间的护理：(1) 尊重人格；(2) 与美德和价值观联系；(3) 改善关系；(4) 寻求和接受支持；(5) 优先考虑自我保健；(6) 保护和主动；(7) 做出实际改变。大流行后：(1) 加强对痴呆症患者的承诺，(2) 照顾自己的需求，(3) 考虑实际需求。
参与者报告了所有时间框架内积极的护理体验，在 COVID-19 期间和之后更加关注自己的需求和体验。这项研究可能突出了非专业照顾者的挑战和需求。
强制隔离为一些照顾者产生了更深的联系。资源可以帮助照顾者进行适应性护理。
