Applying Story-Guided Dialogue to Examine Social Connections for Rural Caregivers of Persons Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias During A Global Pandemic

In the U.S., an estimated 16 million persons provide unpaid care for family and friends with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). These caregivers are experiencing challenges, such as lack social interaction, which further impacts their own health. Social isolation for caregivers is now considered to be another challenge due to living in a global pandemic.
The purpose of this study was to address the gap in understanding rural informal caregiver by examining social connectedness through the use of story-guided dialogues among rural caregivers of PWD during a global pandemic. Story Theory guides intentional dialogue, to bring forward connecting with self-in-relation through use of story path, noting low, high, and turning points.