Pandemic-specific supports and challenges: associations with dementia caregiver well-being

Abstract This study examines the prevalence of pandemic-specific care supports and challenges (e.g., increased support from family and friends, difficulty accessing respite care, confusion on public health guidelines) and associations with stress and well-being among 100 family caregivers for persons living with dementia interviewed in 2021. Pandemic care challenges were common- 52% reported a decrease in support from family and friends, 43% had difficulty accessing medical care, and 31% had difficulty getting needed in-home and out-of-home services. Accounting for demographics and the care context, difficulties accessing various types of respite care (e.g., paid respite care, respite from family/friends) were associated with caregiver stress, burden, and less positive affect. Pandemic supports, including increased support from family and friends and receiving information on COVID-care were associated with greater positive affect, but not caregiver stress. While care-supports enhanced well-being, efforts to help caregivers take breaks from caregiving may have significant impact on reducing stress.