Shelter-in-Place Policies, Proximity, and Changes in Caregiving for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Issue 2 - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, “shelter-in-place (SIP)” orders disrupted family support dynamics for older adults living with disabilities. This study assessed how SIP policies shaped changes in caregiving and how these shifts related to family members’ geographic proximity. Using NHATS round 10 data, COVID-19 geographic and restricted files, and county-level SIP policy data, the sample included 512 respondents needing ADL/IADL help who did not live with a spouse. Weighted multivariate logistic regression showed most respondents reported no change, while more reported receiving less help.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Data and Methods

Sample and Variables

Models and Stratified Analyses

Results

Implications

FAQs

What was the study’s main question about SIP policies and caregiving changes?

The study examined how shelter-in-place (SIP) orders affected changes in caregiving for older adults with disabilities and whether those changes were related to family members’ geographic proximity.

What dataset and sample were used in the analysis?

The study used NHATS round 10 data plus COVID-19 geographic and restricted COVID-19 files, along with published county-level SIP policy data. The sample included 512 NHATS respondents needing ADL/IADL assistance who did not live with a spouse.

What did the results show about changes in help during COVID compared with before?

Overall, 55.2% reported no change in receiving help, 36.7% reported receiving less help, and 8.1% reported receiving more help during COVID than before.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Patrick