Informal caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a representative, population-based study during the second wave of the pandemic in Germany

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the informal caregiving situation in terms of prevalence of caregivers, infection rates, perception of impairment and danger by the pandemic, and changes in the caregiving performance among long-term caregivers from before to during the peak of the pandemic.

METHODS: Informal caregivers (N = 489 during the pandemic) from a population-based sample, representative for individuals aged ≥40 years from Germany (N = 3022, assessed March 2021), were questioned. Sociodemographic information, prevalence and performance of informal care before and during the second pandemic wave, infection rates and perceived impairment and danger of the pandemic were assessed.

RESULTS: Results indicate no significantly different prevalence of informal caregiving during the pandemic compared to before. Few caregivers and few of their care recipients were infected. Overall, a low to moderate level of impairment was reported by caregivers, but a moderately high perceived danger, particularly for care recipients. Among long-term caregivers, caregiving intensity and time increased during the pandemic, less ambulatory care but more shopping help was used and care task distribution and use of support changed.

CONCLUSION: While the prevalence of informal caregivers remained unchanged, the caregiving situation worsened among long-term caregivers. Infection rates among caregivers were low, but they perceived themselves and their care recipients to be endangered. Future research and policy should focus more on this vulnerable group during a health crisis, primarily on long-term caregivers, in order to effectively support them in their care provision for the high risk group of older care recipients.