Portuguese caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of the grieving process

Laura Brito, Ana Cristina Bernardo, Ângela Leite, M. Graça Pereira*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

This study addresses the experiences of informal caregivers caring for elderly family members with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study includes a sample of eight informal caregivers who were evaluated through a semi-structured interview six months after the death of a loved one they cared for. A thematic content analysis was applied to the interviews and yielded two higher-order domains: (1) Experiencing the AD and the death of a family member and (2) The grieving process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide valuable insights into family caregivers' experiences regarding the profound emotional impact of caregiving and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers maintain their identity even after loss, underscoring the enduring impact of caregiving. The identity as a caregiver impacted coping and grief responses, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages30
JournalOmega (United States)
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - May 2024

Keywords

  • Alzheimer disease
  • Caregiving
  • COVID-19
  • End-of-Life
  • Grief

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