Exploring resilience and well-being of family caregivers of people with dementia exposed to mandatory social isolation by COVID-19

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the resilience of health care systems worldwide. In this regard, one group of people whose physical and mental health has been affected has been family caregivers of people with dementia. Objective This study aims to identify the variables that predict a high degree of well-being in family caregivers of people with dementia during this period of mandatory lockdown. Methods A total of 310 respondents participated in an online survey (266 women and 44 men) from various regions in Spain, aged between 20 and 73 years old (M = 46.45; SD = 15.97), and all were family members. Results The results showed that there were notable differences in all the protective variables, together with a significant strong positive relationship between well-being and resilience ( r = 0.92; p < 0.01) and with coping strategies ( r = 0.85; p < 0.01), and there were also some significant negative relationships between well-being and difficulties in emotional regulation (ρ = −.78; p < 0.01). The most predictive variables of a higher level of well-being included the type of dementia (β = 1.19; CI (95%) = 1.01-1.29; p< 0.01), living in a large house (β = 0.97; CI (95%) =. 23-0.98; p < 0.01), social support as a coping strategy (β = 1.27; CI (95%) = 1.21-1.29; p < 0.01) and mainly resilience (β = 1.34; CI (95%) = 1.30-1.37; p < 0.01). Discussion We discuss the importance of promoting higher levels of resilience through the development of protective psychosocial variables in caregivers of people with dementia exposed to situations of mandatory social isolation as a modulator of the psychosocial well-being of these family caregivers.

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Mobbing and Bullying As Occupational Stress Factors

Safety in Technosphere ◽

10.12737/6637 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (6) ◽

pp. 64-74

Author(s):

Бухтияров ◽

Igor Bukhtiyarov ◽

Рубцов ◽

M. Rubtsov

Keyword(s):

Social Isolation ◽

Physical Violence ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Institutional Arrangement ◽

Work Capacity ◽

Working Environment ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Care Systems

An analysis of foreign and domestic publications related to problems of mobbing and bullying as working environment factors to which it wasn´t been paid attention until recently has been presented in this review. Seven summarized mobbing types which reduce the level and quality of work have been identified: institutional arrangement mobbing, social isolation mobbing, mobbing of attacks to victim’s personal life, victim mood mobbing, physical violence mobbing, verbal aggression and rumors mobbing. Administrative, functional and psychological factors which are the causes of mobbing and bullying as manifestations of destructive behavior at work places have been shown. A comparative analysis of mobbing and bullying occurrence frequency in different countries and among different categories of employees has been carried out. Based on a lot of questionnaires data analysis it has been found that the most frequently mobbing and bullying occurrences in the public sector of economy in comparison with the private one, they are observed in pedagogical and health care systems too. It has been shown that mobbing and bullying are stress factors that can lead to employees’ work capacity deterioration, serious physical and mental health disorders, mainly similar to typical post-traumatic stress disorder. In extreme cases mobbing and bullying can lead to serious diseases, professional unsuitability and early disability, social isolation and even suicide, being thus an important safety assurance factor for modern forms of work. In order to solve the mobbing problem through legislation, some European countries have adopted new laws that prevent the occurrence of these phenomena, protecting and ensuring the safety of employees in their workplaces, including an emotional component of health at work. In Russia it is necessary to develop adequate administrative, psychological and medical measures for prevention and diagnosis of mobbing and bullying at workplaces.

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Impact of iN2L Tablets on Loneliness and Well-Being: Findings of an Innovative Industry-AAA Program

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3399 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 949-950

Author(s):

Lydia Nguyen ◽

Karen O'Hern ◽

Adam Siak ◽

Kristi Stoglin ◽

Charlotte Mather-Tayor

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Well Being ◽

Case Managers ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Negative Effects ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Innovative Program ◽

Adult Day Centers

Abstract Area Agency on Aging (AAA) senior and adult day centers closed due to COVID-19, causing many older adults to lose an important source of connection and engagement, leading to social isolation. To combat negative consequences, iN2L and a Florida AAA partnered on an innovative program providing iN2L tablets to AAA-supported older adults to use at home. The tablets have a simple interface, content specifically designed for older adults (e.g., games; music; movies), and video call capability. Participants included 51 independent older adults (mean age 77) and 39 family caregivers (mean age 59) of people with dementia. Participants completed phone surveys with AAA case managers at baseline and 3 months, including UCLA Loneliness Scale (3 item) and questions about their tablet experiences. Findings show positive trends for loneliness and well-being in both groups. At 3 months, lonely participants decreased from baseline by 25% for independent older adults and 18% for family caregivers. Over 80% of independent older adults agreed the tablet engages them in meaningful activities, provides daily enjoyment, and helps with relaxation. For family caregivers, 79% agreed the tablet is another tool in their caregiver toolkit and about 70% agreed the tablet adds daily enjoyment, helps with relaxation, and provides engagement in meaningful activities for their family member. Approximately 50% of caregivers felt happier, less stressed, and less irritable since using the tablets. This work has implications for the utility of technology in promoting engagement and connection, alleviating negative effects of social isolation, and the effectiveness of industry-AAA partnerships.

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Family Caregivers’ Experiences and Changes in Caregiving Tasks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Clinical Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/10547738211014211 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 105477382110142

Author(s):

Elliane Irani ◽

Atsadaporn Niyomyart ◽

Ronald L. Hickman

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Well Being ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Limited Resources ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Web Based ◽

Conventional Content Analysis

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe family caregivers’ experiences and changes in caregiving tasks and approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using web-based strategies, 69 family caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions were recruited and completed an online survey about positive and negative caregiving experiences, and ways in which caregiving has changed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (structured questions) and conventional content analysis (open-ended responses). Participants reported concerns about their loved one’s physical and mental health, the limited access to other caregiving sources, and the limited opportunities to maintain personal well-being. Caregiving tasks completed more than usual included providing emotional support, shopping for groceries and essentials, and contacting healthcare providers. Participants modified their caregiving approach by assuming added responsibilities, leveraging technology, and managing a new caregiving routine. Findings indicate that family caregivers experienced additional caregiving challenges and changed caregiving tasks considering the limited resources available.

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“I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Quarantine Partner!”: Experiences with Companion Dogs during Covid-19

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020330 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 330

Author(s):

Cori Bussolari ◽

Jennifer Currin-McCulloch ◽

Wendy Packman ◽

Lori Kogan ◽

Phyllis Erdman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Modern World ◽

Health Issues ◽

Physical And Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st–April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human–animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants’ sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.

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Alzheimer's Association Project VITAL: A Florida Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation and Well-Being

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.720180 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Lorna E. Prophater ◽

Sam Fazio ◽

Lydia T. Nguyen ◽

Gizem Hueluer ◽

Lindsay J. Peterson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Education ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Staff ◽

Project Echo ◽

Learning Platform ◽

People With Dementia ◽

The Impact

Lack of social engagement and the resulting social isolation can have negative impacts on health and well-being, especially in senior care communities and for those living with dementia. Project VITAL leverages technology and community resources to create a network for connection, engagement, education, and support of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and explores the impact of these interventions in reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two phases, 600 personalized Wi-Fi-enabled iN2L tablets were distributed to 300 senior care communities (55% assisted living communities, 37% skilled nursing communities, 6% memory care communities, and 2% adult family-care homes) to connect and engage residents and their families. Different phases also included Project ECHO, a video-based learning platform, Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support for family caregivers, evidence-based online professional dementia care staff training and certification, and Virtual Forums designed to explore ways to build sustainable, scalable models to ensure access to support and decrease social isolation in the future. Tablet usage was collected over an 11-month period and an interim survey was designed to assess the effectiveness of the tablets, in preventing social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 105 care community staff (whose community used the tablets) completed the survey and overall, these staff showed a high level of agreement to statements indicating that residents struggled with loneliness and mood, and that the tablet was useful in improving loneliness and mood in residents and allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends. Additional positive results were seen through a variety of other responses around the tablets and Project ECHO. Overall, the tablets were shown to be an effective way to engage residents and connect them with friends and family, as well as being a useful tool for staff members. A third phase is currently underway in the homes of people with dementia and their family caregivers, which includes tablets and direct access to Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support programs.

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The REACH OUT Caregiver Support Program

10.1093/med-psych/9780190855949.001.0001 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Louis D. Burgio ◽

Matthew J. Wynn

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Challenging Behaviors ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Risk Area ◽

Caregiver Support ◽

Caregiver Health ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Risk Areas

Our nation increasingly relies on family members or friends (i.e., informal caregivers) for needed care and support as we age. Family caregivers typically assume their caregiving role willingly and reap personal fulfilment from helping a family member, developing new skills, and strengthening family relationships. For these benefits, however, caregivers often sacrifice their own health and well-being. Depression, anxiety, poor physical health, and compromised immune function are more common among family caregivers than in adults not providing such care. The REACH OUT (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health: Offering Useful Treatments) program is a multicomponent, tailored, and flexible intervention for caregivers of people with dementia focused on the evidence-based therapeutic strategy of problem solving. This work is designed to guide clinicians through the process and provide them the necessary tools to share with caregivers with the goal of enhancing caregiver physical and mental health. Five common risk areas (home safety, caregiver health, social support, challenging behaviors, and emotional well-being) are described in the manual; and interventions are described that respect the nuances of each risk area. By beginning with an individualized risk assessment and being flexible to the needs and issues of the caregiver, the REACH OUT intervention helps clinicians identify risk areas and provide caregivers with tailored action plans to reduce risk and promote well-being.

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An Overview of Digital Health in the Transition of Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care

Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1716825 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 09 (04) ◽

pp. 106-113

Author(s):

Ysabeau Bernard-Willis ◽

Emily De Oliveira ◽

Shaheen E Lakhan

Keyword(s):

Health Management ◽

Digital Health ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Well Being ◽

Pediatric Care ◽

Medical Mistrust ◽

Patient Portals ◽

Language Therapy ◽

Adult Care ◽

Care Systems

AbstractChildren with epilepsy often have impairments in cognitive and behavioral functioning which may hinder socio-occupational well-being as they reach adulthood. Adolescents with epilepsy have the added worry of health problems while starting the transition from family-centered pediatric care into largely autonomous adult care. If this transition is not appropriately planned and resourced, it may result in medical mistrust, nonadherence, and worsening biopsychosocial health as an adult. In recent years, there has been increased availability of digital health solutions that may be used during this stark change in care and treating teams. The digital health landscape includes a wide variety of technologies meant to address challenges faced by patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and health care systems. These technologies include mobile health products and wearable devices (e.g., seizure monitors and trackers, smartphone passive data collection), digital therapeutics (e.g., cognitive/behavioral health management; digital speech–language therapy), telehealth services (e.g., teleneurology visits), and health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records with patient portals). Such digital health solutions may empower patients in their journey toward optimal brain health during the vulnerable period of pediatric to adult care transition. Further research is needed to validate and measure their impact on clinical outcomes, health economics, and quality of life.

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Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.500 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 153-154

Author(s):

Afeez Hazzan

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Quality Of Care ◽

Older People ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Family Caregiver ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

People With Dementia ◽

The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

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Impact of Social Isolation on People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-201580 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Lílian Viana dos Santos Azevedo ◽

Ismael Luis Calandri ◽

Andrea Slachevsky ◽

Héctor Gastón Graviotto ◽

Maria Carolina Santos Vieira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Memory Function ◽

South American ◽

Severe Dementia ◽

Dementia Caregivers ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Moderate Dementia ◽

Severity Of Dementia

Background: People with dementia and their family caregivers may face a great burden through social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be manifested as various behavioral and clinical symptoms. Objective: To investigate the impacts of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Methods: Two semi-structured questionnaires were applied via telephone to family caregivers of people diagnosed with dementia in three cities in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, in order to assess clinical and behavioral changes in people with dementia and in their caregivers. Results: In general, 321 interviews were conducted. A significant decline in memory function has been reported among 53.0%of people with dementia. In addition, 31.2%of individuals with dementia felt sadder and 37.4%had increased anxiety symptoms. These symptoms of anxiety were greater in individuals with mild to moderate dementia, while symptoms of agitation were greater in individuals with severe dementia. Moreover, compulsive-obsessive behavior, hallucinations, increased forgetfulness, altered appetite, and increased difficulty in activities of daily living were reported more frequently among individuals with moderate to severe dementia. Caregivers reported feeling more tired and overwhelmed during this period and these symptoms were also influenced by the severity of dementia. Conclusion: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a series of negative behavioral repercussions, both for people with dementia and for their family caregivers in these three South American countries.

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Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10081577 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1577

Author(s):

Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽

Ilana Eli ◽

Nir Uziel ◽

Joanna Smardz ◽

Anahat Khehra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Culturally Different ◽

Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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