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Little is known on how the pandemic has changed care home care delivery. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID‐19 on care provision and visits in care homes from staff and family members' perspectives. For this purpose, we conducted a telephone‐ and zoom‐based qualitative semi‐structured interview study. Care home staff and family carers of people living with dementia (PLWD) across the UK were recruited via convenience sampling and participated via telephone or online. Participants took part in a semi‐structured remote interview. Data were collected between October and November 2020. Anonymised transcripts were analysed separately by two research team members using thematic analysis, with codes discussed and themes generated jointly, supported by research team input. 42 participants (26 family carers and 16 care home staff) took part. Five themes were generated: (a) Care home reputation and financial implications; (b) Lack of care; (c) Communication or lack thereof; (d) Visiting rights/changes based on residents' needs; (e) Deterioration of residents. With a lack of clear guidance throughout the pandemic, care homes delivered care differently with disparities in the levels and types of visiting allowed for family members. Lack of communication between care homes and family members, but also government and care homes, led to family carers feeling excluded and concerned about the well‐being of their relative. Improved communication and clear guidance for care homes and the public are required to negate the potentially damaging effects of COVID‐19 restrictions upon residents, their families and the carers who support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly limited access to health and social care support systems for people with dementia and their carers, compounding the severe social restrictions. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of COVID‐19 among community‐dwelling people with dementia and their informal carers in Italy. Specifically, we focused on access to community‐based services and adopted solutions to provide support and care during exceptional times. Informal carers, caring for someone with dementia and attending community‐based services in Italy, participated in remote semi‐structured interviews between October and November 2020. Participants were asked about the effects of social isolation and closure of in‐person services on their daily lives as well as the challenges of dementia care. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. 22 informal carers were interviewed. Three themes emerged: (1) Disruptions to people with dementia's lives and health; (2) COVID‐19 as an additional stressor for carers; and (3) New ways of caring for people with dementia during COVID‐19. Face‐to‐face social care and social support services were suddenly interrupted and restrictions on social distancing were introduced, thus leading to people with dementia's impaired health and increased behavioural and psychological symptoms. Not only the amount but also the intensity of care increased, with no chance of respite for informal carers. Overall remote activities provided participants with emotional and social benefits, while allowing the continuity of relationships with services staff and users and of care. However, according to carers, a combination of virtual and face‐to‐face activities could better counterbalance the multiple adverse outcomes of COVID‐19. Public health measures should be designed carefully to consider the safety needs and the physical, psychological and social needs of people with dementia. Within a holistic care approach, social care services need to be enabled better to guarantee high‐quality care even during pandemic times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of older adults (65+ years) live on their own, and can experience high levels of loneliness. However, accessing activities to engage with their community can be difficult either due to their age and associated comorbidities, such as frailty, or due to financial reasons, for lacking the funds to access transport to activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate an existing service in the North West of England, Community Connectors, which enables people aged 18 and above to access social activities within their community in order to reduce loneliness and social isolation. This study only included middle‐aged and older adults. A total of 13 semi‐structured interviews were performed after people had taken part in the 14‐week Community Connectors programme. Data were coded by two research team members by using thematic analysis. Members of the public were involved in the design of this study, and in the dissemination. Between June 2017 to September 2018, 234 older adults and 53 middle‐aged adults were referred to Community Connectors. Four themes emerged from the interviews: falling out of society; easy self‐referral; structured supportive services; and reconnecting with community. Services often depend on individuals making the first step to access, however, without easy or facilitated access people can becoming isolated. Participants reported on how Community Connectors provided easy and open access that enabled better response to individual needs. The structured support provided individuals with confidence in engaging with community activities and enhanced individuals' social networks. Community Connectors enables middle‐aged and older adults to engage with social activities in their community, and thus helps participants to feel less lonely and more socially connected. Future work needs to quantitatively measure the impacts of the service on loneliness, depression, and social connectedness in order to fully understand their impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]