Overload and Emotional Wellbeing in a Sample of Spanish Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Carers of Alzheimer’s suffer from caregiver overload, anxiety and depression. Changes in caregiving brought about by pandemic restrictions (COVID-19) may play a role. The aim was to explore the caregiver profile and assess the influence of the pandemic on informal and formal caregivers in a Spanish sample. Method: Sixty caregivers participated. An ad hoc questionnaire, ZBI, STAI and BDI were administered. Results: Informal caregivers were more overloaded, anxious and depressed than professional caregivers. Both groups perceived themselves to be more sad, worried and stressed than in the pre-pandemic situation. The pandemic-generated variables associated with caregiving did not influence caregiver overload in both groups. In informal caregivers, worsening of the patient with stress and changes in perceived social support with anxiety and depression. In professional caregivers, changes in routine were associated with stress and lower depression and changes in perceived social support with higher caregiver strain. Changes in caregiving routine and changes in perceived social support were predictors of overload and emotional distress in both caregivers. Conclusions: Overload was not influenced by the pandemic situation. Changes in caregiving routine and lack of social support were found to be predictors of overload and emotional distress in both types of caregivers.