Religion, Spirituality, and Coping During the Pandemic: Perspectives of Dementia Caregivers

Katherine Carroll Britt, Kathy C. Richards, Kavita Radhakrishnan, Andrea Vanags-Louredo, Eunice Park, Nalaka S. Gooneratne and Liam Fry

Clinical Nursing Research, 2023, vol. 32, issue 1, 94-104

Abstract: Religious and spiritual (R/S) practices support individuals during difficult situations. The COVID-19 social distancing restrictions may have limited access to R/S practices for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease related dementia (ADRD) and their caregivers, affecting coping and well-being. This qualitative study explored the impact of social distancing on R/S practices and coping in ADRD-caregiver dyads from the perspective of caregivers. Interviews were conducted with 11 family caregivers of older adults with ADRD residing in nursing homes ( n  = 4) or private homes ( n  = 7). Caregivers continued individual and started virtual R/S practices which improved their ability to cope. However, organized R/S practices were unavailable for those with ADRD, but they used prayer and read religious texts which noticeably improved their mood. Healthcare professionals’ sharing of individual and community R/S resources available for ADRD-caregiver dyads could decrease anxiety and agitation, while improving their ability to cope with increased isolation.

Keywords: dementia; religion; spirituality; coping; caregivers; COVID (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:clnure:v:32:y:2023:i:1:p:94-104

DOI: 10.1177/10547738221115239

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