Objectives This study aimed at revealing the caregiving challenges of the caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) during the COVID‐19 pandemic when daycare service was stopped as an infection control measure, and discussed ways to help PwD and their family caregivers to maintain their well‐being in the era of the pandemic. Methods Between April and May 2020, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 152 family caregivers of PwD who were clients of daycare service prior to the pandemic. The survey examined caregivers' stress and challenges faced during daycare service cessation, their perceived needs for continuation of daycare service, and observed changes in functional status of PwD. Regression analyses were performed to explore the associated factors of caregiving stress and preference for continuation of daycare service. Results Family caregivers of PwD experienced greater caregiving stress after cessation of daycare service. Infection was their main challenge in caregiving, and their physical and emotional health was adversely affected by the longer time commitment with PwD under the stay‐home policy. Older age of caregivers, greater emotional and communication problems of PwD, and more time spent with PwD were associated with greater caregiving stress. More than one‐third of the participants preferred the continuation of daycare service during the pandemic. Conclusions Policy makers should consider the well‐being of PwD and their caregivers when planning infection control measures. Daycare service with enhanced infection controlled measures should remain available to PwD during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Updating services for people with younger onset dementia and their caregivers Researchers from the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing analyse the services available for people with younger onset dementia, looking to improve the lives of those affected and their carers. People who exhibit dementia-related symptoms when they are under age 65 are categorised as people with younger onset dementia (YOD). Currently, there are 4.9 million people with YOD,(1, 2) accounting for 9% of the dementia population. Compared to people with late-onset dementia, such as dementia onset at or after 65 years old, people with YOD face different challenges and therefore require different support in their daily lives. However, the existing dementia services mainly focus on the elderly with late-onset dementia, suggesting that people with YOD and their caregivers are not adequately supported.(3, 4)

E-Learning platform for dementia caregivers Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing is developing a multimedia e-learning platform for dementia caregivers; here, they share the vast benefits. Taking care of a loved one who has dementia is a challenging task for family members. According to an opinion survey conducted by Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing (JCCPA), almost 90% of caregivers reported experiencing stress while caring for a family member with dementia, with about half of them experiencing frequent episodes of stress.(1) Data indicates that family members who assume the primary role of caring for individuals with dementia experience a significant burden of caregiving. On average, caregivers devote between five and 20 hours per day to caring for these individuals.(2) Extended caregiving hours can reduce the time available for rest and social engagement, leading to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.(3) It is common for caregivers to experience high levels of depression.(4)