Table 2.

Considerations for online delivery of protocol during COVID-19.

Therapeutic Alliance Challenges	•Be aware that alliance-building may be more time consuming and challenging. •Make space for technology difficulties. •Allow for more “small talk.” •Validate fears and stresses
Anticipate Increased Difficulties for Dyad	•Look out for increased stress, agitation, and isolation in the dyad. •Problem-solving with ABC card (activating issues, behavior and condequences) and “Changing Negative or Depressive Thoughts” handout may be particularly helpful.
Help Dyad Establish a New Routine	•Utilize the resources in the protocol for routine-building including exercise and pleasant events scheduling. •Familiarize self with stay-at-home orders and remind dyad of them when necessary. •Brainstorm and encourage exercises and pleasant events that allow for physical distancing guidelines.
Respond to Grief About Limitations	•Be mindful of increased grief of “not being able to do what we used to …” •Utilize “Maintaining Realistic Expectations” to acknowledge constraints of the pandemic. •Focus on what capacities and possibilities still remain.
Contingency Planning & Advance Directives	•Do not give legal advice, but direct care partner to the need for additional protections and provisions should either member of dyad become ill. •For example, contingency planning, advance directives, and resources for in the community.
Care Partner Self-Care and Respite	•Familiarize self with CDC/public health guidelines concerning limiting contact to small pod of supportive people. This may be useful in helping care partner continue to access support in caregiving. •Brainstorm ways to access resources that will support care partner while navigating safety concerns. •Remind care partner of the even greater importance of physical and emotional self-care. If two people are sick, it is much worse. •Reiterate pleasant events.
Community Resources	•Keep up with available resources to support the dyad and SGM older adults cope with pandemic. •Reach out to IDEA study office to relay and receive information about resources.