The current COVID-19 pandemic presents unique circumstances for persons living with dementia and their care partners. This project aims to characterize the practical, emotional, social, and behavioral effects of COVID-19 on care partners and persons with dementia; to compare the experiences of care partners when the person living with dementia resides in the home versus in a long-term care setting; and to document changes over time.
Research on this subject is important because it may expose vulnerabilities and flaws in existing systems for persons living with dementia and their care partners and offer insights into interventions that can improve or protect quality of life during times of non-emergency. Additionally, it may inform pandemic and emergency preparedness going forward.