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This systematic review examined how information communication technologies (ICT) has been used to access remote post-diagnostic support that address the needs people with dementia, or those of dyad, and explored care recipients' views on accessing support remotely. Concepts relating to dementia and ICT were searched across six databases (PsychInfo, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Social Care Online, and Web of Science) in March 2021 and updated in March 2022. Studies published from 1990 and written in English, German or French were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was appraised using the Hawker quality assessment tool and reporting structured according to PRISMA guidelines. The search yielded 8,485 citations. Following the removal of duplicates and screening processes, 18 papers reporting on 17 studies were included. Studies described a range of post-diagnostic support, including medical follow-ups and therapeutic sessions, and were often delivered on a one-to-one basis via videoconferencing software. Whilst often relying on assistance from unpaid carers, people with dementia directly engaged with ICT to access post-diagnostic support in 13 studies. Accessing post-diagnostic support remotely appears feasible, nevertheless, care recipients' views were mixed. Access was frequently facilitated by supplying devices and providing ongoing technological support. Accessing post-diagnostic support remotely is likely to benefit some care recipients, however, to prevent widening inequalities in access, services within the current hybrid landscape need to accommodate to people who are digitally excluded. Future research should capture the support provided by unpaid carers to facilitate the engagement of people with dementia to remote post-diagnostic support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessing social care and social support services is key to support the well-being of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. COVID-19 has caused sudden closures or radical modifications of these services, and is resulting in prolonged self-isolation. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of COVID-19 related social care and support service changes and closures on the lives of PLWD and unpaid carers. PLWD and unpaid carers were interviewed via telephone in April 2020. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Demographic characteristics including household Index of Multiple Deprivation score and weekly hours of social support service usage before and since the COVID-19 outbreak were also collected. Paired samples t-tests was used to compare the mean of weekly hours of social support service usage before and since the outbreak. 50 semi-structured interviews were conducted with unpaid carers (n = 42) and PLWD (n = 8). There was a significant reduction in social support service usage since the outbreak. Thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: (1) Loss of control; (2) Uncertainty; (3) Adapting and having to adapt to the new normal. Carers and PLWD were greatly affected by the sudden removal of social support services, and concerned about when services would re-open. Carers were worried about whether the person they cared for would still be able to re-join social support services. PLWD and carers need to receive specific practical and psychological support during the pandemic to support their well-being, which is severely affected by public health restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social support services such as day care centres are important in post-diagnostic dementia care to enable people living with dementia stay at home for longer. Little research has addressed potential inequalities in access, with no research on variations before and since COVID-19. The aim of this study was to explore inequalities in social support service usage before and since the pandemic. Methods: Unpaid carers and people living with dementia were interviewed over the phone about their experiences of accessing social support services before and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Transcripts were analysed for key themes using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results: Fifty participants (42 unpaid carers; eight people living with dementia) were interviewed, and five themes identified: (1) Service issues; (2) Access issues; (3) Relying on own initiative; (4) New inequalities due to COVID-19; and (5) Missing out on the benefits of support services. Participants reported transport, finances, and location as factors reducing their ability to access support service pre-COVID, with inequalities remaining and at times exacerbated since. Carers and people living with dementia also reported struggling with accessing basic necessities during COVID, including food and medicines. Conclusions: Considering the benefits of accessing support services, resourced procedures and facilities are needed to maintain access to support services with more accessible remote support provision, enabling people from all backgrounds to access the care they need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]