Restrictions in community-based care services and the effect on family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study

Background

This mixed-methods study aimed to examine the effects of restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services on family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We recruited from community-based care services 200 family caregivers who were living with an older care recipient. We first conducted thematic analyses based on open-ended responses to questions regarding the impact of restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services. We then extracted themes to examine and determine patterns across caregiving characteristics. Next, we conducted linear regression analysis to examine associations between impact of restrictions and caregiving contexts.

Results

We identified 11 themes regarding the impact of restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services. Most frequently reported impact included “the family caregiver cannot bathe the older person at home” and that “the family caregiver cannot go to work/income decreases”. Caregiver employment, more caregiving tasks, and more behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia of the care recipient were associated with harmful impacts resulting from restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, family caregivers sometimes felt ill equipped to provide home care. Caregiver employment, more caregiving tasks, and more BPSD were factors associated with the negative impact from restricted community-based care service use.