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What factors have influenced quality of life in people with dementia and their family carers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
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posted on 2023-06-10, 02:26 authored by Stephanie DaleyStephanie Daley, Nazire Akarsu, Elise Armsby, Nicolas Farina, Yvonne Feeney, Bethany Fine, Laura Hughes, Joanna Pooley, Naji TabetNaji Tabet, Georgia Towson, Sube BanerjeeObjectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruption to health and social care services. For people with dementia and their family carers this is problematic, as a group who rely on timely and responsive services to live well with the condition. This study has sought to understand how COVID-19 has affected the quality of life of people diagnosed with dementia and their family carers. Design: Our mixed-methods study was nested in a larger cohort study of an education programme, Time for Dementia. Setting: The study took place in the South-East of England. Participants: Existing study participants, family carers were approached about the COVID-19 nested study. A purposeful sample of participants were invited to take part in in-depth qualitative interview. The sample included family carers in a range of different caring situations. Measurement: Interviews were undertaken remotely by telephone. Interviews sought to understand quality of life before the pandemic, impact of the restrictions on both the person with dementia and family carer, role of services and other agencies as well as supportive factors. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: 16 family carers were interviewed. Seven themes were identified from our analysis: (1) decreased social interaction; (2) reduced support; (3) deteriorating cognitive and physical health for the person with dementia; (4) decreased carer well-being; (5) difficulties understanding COVID-19 restrictions; (6) limited impact for some and (7) trust and relationship with care home. There was little change between themes during the first and second wave of national lockdowns. Conclusions: Our study provides an understanding the short-term impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of people with dementia and their family carers. Our findings suggest that recovery between the first and second wave of the restrictions did not automatically take place.
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Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
BMJ OpenISSN
2044-6055Publisher
BMJ Publishing GroupExternal DOI
Issue
2Volume
12Page range
1-9Article number
a053563Department affiliated with
- Division of Medical Education Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2022-01-25First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-03-07First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2022-03-07Usage metrics
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