Penn Bioethics Seminar Series: Emily Largent JD, PhD, RN

The COVID Caregiving Project

Emily Largent JD, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Abstract: Persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their family caregivers have experienced particular challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Here, I am sharing preliminary results from the COVID Caregiving Project, a qualitative interview study of caregivers for PLWD.  Our team conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 caregivers caring for PLWD living in either the community or a long-term care facility.  While caregivers had many common experiences due to the pandemic, these had variable effects on their caregiving and their relationship with the PLWD.  Caregivers can be divided into three general categories, those who reported: continuity in caregiving intensity, increased caregiving intensity, or decreased caregiving intensity.  Caregivers on the latter two trajectories generally reported more negative outcomes than those who reported continuity.  These results should inform policies to support PLWD and their caregivers in and beyond the pandemic.

For more information, contact Mary Pham, Mary.Pham@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.