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Living with dementia under COVID-19 restrictions: coping and support needs among people with dementia and carers from the IDEAL cohort

Gareth O'Rourke Orcid Logo, Claire Pentecost Orcid Logo, Eleanor van den Heuvel Orcid Logo, Christina Victor Orcid Logo, Catherine Quinn Orcid Logo, Alexandra Hillman Orcid Logo, Rachael Litherland, Linda Clare Orcid Logo

Ageing and Society, Volume: 43, Issue: 10, Pages: 2424 - 2446

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DOI (Published version): 10.1017/s0144686x21001719

Abstract

Stringent social restrictions imposed during 2020 to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly affect the wellbeing and quality of life of people with dementia living in the community and their family carers. We explored the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on people with dement...

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Published in: Ageing and Society
ISSN: 0144-686X 1469-1779
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2023
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa60477
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Abstract: Stringent social restrictions imposed during 2020 to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly affect the wellbeing and quality of life of people with dementia living in the community and their family carers. We explored the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on people with dementia and family carers in England and considered how negative effects might be mitigated. We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 11 people with dementia and 11 family carers who were ongoing participants in the IDEAL cohort during the initial ‘lockdown’ period in May and June 2020, and follow-up interviews with five people with dementia and two carers as restrictions were eased in July. We analysed interview data and triangulated the findings with issues raised in dementia-specific online forums. Findings showed some people with dementia were coping well, but others experienced a range of negative impacts, with varying degrees of improvement as restrictions were eased. The need for clear personalised information relating to COVID-19 and the value of support in the form of regular ‘just checking’ phone calls was emphasised. This exceptional situation provides a natural demonstration of how social and psychological resources shape the potential to ‘live well’ with dementia. While some support is recommended for all, a personalised approach to determine needs and coping ability would ensure that further practical and emotional support is targeted effectively.
Keywords: Dementia, carers, COVID-19, qualitative, interview, living well, social, coping, support
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Funders: This report presents independent research funded by the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Older People and Frailty (Policy Research Unit Programme reference number PR-PRU-1217-21502).
Issue: 10
Start Page: 2424
End Page: 2446

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