“A World Upside Down”: Experiences of Informal Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The caregiving process may result in negative outcomes for caregivers. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has contributed additional challenges for family caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses. Little is known about the additional impact of the pandemic on caregivers. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to understand the effects of the pandemic on the caregiving experience. Methods: A qualitative descriptive content analysis was conducted on nine blogs of caregivers of older adults. Blogs were identified using purposive sampling. Bloggers were American, middle-aged, and caring for an older adult with dementia. Findings: Caregivers reported “a world upside down” and change that contributed to uncertainty; the need for support; and how isolation, depressive symptoms, and threat contributed to negative psychological well-being. Managing and struggling in response to caregiving challenges and wishing for resolution were also reported. Conclusions: Blogs of caregivers of older adults with chronic illness yielded important information that may be useful to clinicians.