"It Isn't the Same": Experiences of Informal Caregivers of Older Adults Enrolled in a Home-Based Senior Care Program During COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic placed new strains on informal caregivers, who are already vulnerable to negative psychosocial effects due to demands of the caregiving role. The current study aimed to explore the early impact of COVID-19 on caregivers living with and apart from care recipients. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with seven cohabitating and 10 distanced caregivers of patients in a home-based primary care program were conducted from April to November 2020. A framework matrix was used to identify patterns in caregiver experiences. Cohabitating and distanced caregivers reported shared concerns about COVID-19 and unique concerns dependent on cohabitation status. Cohabitating caregivers reported financial worries, care recipients with dementia being unable to understand restrictions, and concerns about community business changes. Distanced caregivers reported communication challenges with cognitively impaired care recipients and challenges with visitation policies. During pandemics, caregivers' clinical and policy support needs may differ depending on their place of residence relative to care recipients. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(3), 19-26.].

Helping Hispanic Dementia Caregivers Cope with Stress Using Technology-based Resources.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate a culturally appropriate intervention for Hispanic/Latino caregivers of individuals with dementia, using a structured online program without professional involvement to improve well-being, decrease stress, and reduce depression. METHODS: The Webnovela Mirela, an online Spanish-language telenovela, was designed specifically to teach caregivers how to cope with dementia caregiving. A prototype of Webnovela Mirela was tested in a pilot study with 25 Hispanic/Latino dementia caregivers, 19 of whom completed the study. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests. Results indicated a significant decrease from pre- to post-treatment in levels of stress and symptoms of depression (p = .045). CONCLUSIONS: The pilot study indicated high potential of the Webnovela Mirela to help the target population and demonstrated that the telenovela format is acceptable and helpful for Hispanic dementia caregivers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Study outcomes suggested that self-paced approaches with culturally relevant content in an appealing format for the target population have the potential to implement effective interventions. Furthermore, technology enables support programs to reach a broader audience in a cost-effective manner. Of note is the fact that minimal professional and/or personal assistance was required for caregivers to complete this intervention.

The Impact of Latino Values and Cultural Beliefs on Brain Donation: Results of a Pilot Study to Develop Culturally Appropriate Materials and Methods to Increase Rates of Brain Donation in this Under-Studied Patient Group.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing the number of Latino persons with dementia who consent to brain donation (BD) upon death is an important public health goal that has not yet been realized. This study identified the need for culturally sensitive materials to answer questions and support the decision-making process for the family. METHODS: Information about existing rates of BD was obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Centers. Several methods of data collection (query NACC database, contacting Centers, focus groups, online survey, assessing current protocol and materials) were used to give the needed background to create culturally appropriate BD materials. RESULTS: A decision was made that a brochure for undecided enrollees would be beneficial to discuss BD with family members. For those needing further details, a step-by-step handout would provide additional information. CONCLUSIONS: Through team collaboration and engagement of others in the community who work with Latinos with dementia, we believe this process allowed us to successfully create culturally appropriate informational materials that address a sensitive topic for Hispanic/Latino families. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Brain tissue is needed to further knowledge about underlying biological mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, however it is a sensitive topic. Materials assist with family discussion and facilitate the family's follow-through with BD.