Center for Excellence in Assisted Living CEAL@UNC

Advancing the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living through research, practice, and policy.

Families/Caregivers

Caregivers’ Concerns about Assisted Living Residents’ Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Sep 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Surveys with 673 caregivers from Western Canada found that concerns about residents' depressed mood, loneliness, and anxiety doubled three months after the COVID-19 pandemic started, compared with three months before the pandemic. Factors that may alleviate concerns in the future include improving residents' access to counseling services and better informing caregivers about resident care.

Caregivers’ Concerns about Assisted Living Residents’ Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Surveys with 673 caregivers from Western Canada found that concerns about residents’ depressed mood, loneliness, and anxiety doubled three months after the COVID-19 pandemic started, compared with three months before the pandemic. Factors that may alleviate concerns in the future include improving residents’ access to counseling services and better informing caregivers about resident care.

Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety and Depression in Caregivers to Assisted Living Residents during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aug 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of 673 family and friend caregivers of residents in AL from two Canadian provinces from Oct 2020 – Mar 2021 found that 29% had clinically significant anxiety and 39% had clinically significant depression. Caregivers who faced personal stressors such as health issues, reduced income, and lack of social support, along with concerns about residents due to COVID-19, were more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Healthcare providers and assisted living staff should be aware of caregivers' mental health challenges during public health crises and provide appropriate screening and support.

Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety and Depression in Caregivers to Assisted Living Residents during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A study of 673 family and friend caregivers of residents in AL from two Canadian provinces from Oct 2020 – Mar 2021 found that 29% had clinically significant anxiety and 39% had clinically significant depression. Caregivers who faced personal stressors such as health issues, reduced income, and lack of social support, along with concerns about residents due to COVID-19, were more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Healthcare providers and assisted living staff should be aware of caregivers’ mental health challenges during public health crises and provide appropriate screening and support.

Developing a Toolkit to Improve Resident and Family Engagement in the Safety of Assisted Living: Engage – A Stakeholder-Engaged Research Protocol

May 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study protocol describes the methods to be used in developing a toolkit for increased resident and family engagement in assisted living community safety planning; it includes a scoping review, qualitative interviews, and stakeholder meetings. The study’s goals include identifying, prioritizing, and evaluating existing engagement methods around safety concerns in assisted living and developing a toolkit that helps residents and families engage more frequently.

Developing a Toolkit to Improve Resident and Family Engagement in the Safety of Assisted Living: Engage – A Stakeholder-Engaged Research Protocol

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study protocol describes the methods to be used in developing a toolkit for increased resident and family engagement in assisted living community safety planning; it includes a scoping review, qualitative interviews, and stakeholder meetings. The study’s goals include identifying, prioritizing, and evaluating existing engagement methods around safety concerns in assisted living and developing a toolkit that helps residents and families engage more frequently.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Events of Antipsychotic Use for Residents With Dementia in Assisted Living: Implications for Prescribers, Staff, and Families

Mar 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the use of antipsychotic medications among residents with dementia in 91 AL communities across seven states. The prevalence of potential side effects was high (93%) and of possible adverse events low, (6%), potentially associated with medication side effects. Quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone (Risperdal) were the most frequently prescribed antipsychotics. Most, but not all, residents’ family members were aware of their relative’s antipsychotic use.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Events of Antipsychotic Use for Residents With Dementia in Assisted Living: Implications for Prescribers, Staff, and Families

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined the use of antipsychotic medications among residents with dementia in 91 AL communities across seven states. The prevalence of potential side effects was high (93%) and of possible adverse events low, (6%), potentially associated with medication side effects. Quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone (Risperdal) were the most frequently prescribed antipsychotics. Most, but not all, residents’ family members were aware of their relative’s antipsychotic use.