P55: Reaching Caregivers living with a loved one with Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Objectives:

Caregiving can be a daunting and isolating experience, especially when supporting a loved one with Dementia The objective of this intervention was to provide a series of educational sessions available to caregivers to help educate them on strategies to enhance their well-being and interactions with a loved one living with dementia.

Methods:

The Caregiver Literacy Series is a compilation o 18 webinar sessions with therapeutic workbooks designed to help caregivers understand the nature of specific dementia-related issues, and designed to help the caregiver build some personal strategy to help better manage their caregiving role. Based upon a Framework that uses the Perceived Self-Efficacy Theory, each webinar provides educational materials, and resources and is designed to help build an action plan for the caregiver. Topics include “What is Caregiving?”, “Caregiving and Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care” and topics address coping and communication strategies. The webinar sessions were administered monthly and semi-monthly to consumers through a local Alzheimer’s Association network in the rural Midwest of the United States.

Results:

Feedback from consumers who have used the materials suggest that the materials have provided some measure of information and helpful educational materials. The workbooks have also been an effective tool to help guide and empower the caregiver.

Conclusion:

The Caregiver Literacy Series provides some effective and needed materials to help equip caregivers living with a loved one that has Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with some measure of health literacy and empowers them to feel some sense of empowerment and comfort in the process.