Paula Susan Duren1, Juno R Moray2, Peter Alexander Lichtenberg3. 1. Executive Director's Office, Universal Dementia Caregivers, Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA. 2. Department of Psychology and Institute of Gerontology, Psychology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. 3. Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to empirically examine a new psychoeducational intervention that was designed for African American caregivers. METHODS: African American caregivers (N = 49) to older adults with dementia were recruited from the community to participate in Universal Dementia Caregivers' (UCD) Bootcamp. Participants completed a pre- and post-assessment of dementia and caregiving knowledge, and a 30-day follow-up interview. RESULTS: Caregivers who went through the UCD Bootcamp demonstrated an increase in basic knowledge of dementia, caregiving burden and coping strategies. In follow-up interviews, caregivers reported developing confidence, knowledge, and adaptive changes in attitudes toward self and loved one. CONCLUSIONS: The Bootcamp is a novel psychoeducational intervention that improves caregiver knowledge and confidence. Our model, Caregiver Passage Through Dementia, is a training that can improve caregiver and family members' quality of life. Additionally, developing culturally sensitive interventions could help address the mistrust that exist in African American communities toward medical systems and research. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians reframing of caregiving as a gift resonates with many African American caregivers. Empowering caregivers through spirituality is often a necessary ingredient to working with African American caregivers. Clinicians need to demonstrate cultural sensitivity when working with African American caregivers.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to empirically examine a new psychoeducational intervention that was designed for African American caregivers. METHODS: African American caregivers (N = 49) to older adults with dementia were recruited from the community to participate in Universal Dementia Caregivers' (UCD) Bootcamp. Participants completed a pre- and post-assessment of dementia and caregiving knowledge, and a 30-day follow-up interview. RESULTS: Caregivers who went through the UCD Bootcamp demonstrated an increase in basic knowledge of dementia, caregiving burden and coping strategies. In follow-up interviews, caregivers reported developing confidence, knowledge, and adaptive changes in attitudes toward self and loved one. CONCLUSIONS: The Bootcamp is a novel psychoeducational intervention that improves caregiver knowledge and confidence. Our model, Caregiver Passage Through Dementia, is a training that can improve caregiver and family members' quality of life. Additionally, developing culturally sensitive interventions could help address the mistrust that exist in African American communities toward medical systems and research. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians reframing of caregiving as a gift resonates with many African American caregivers. Empowering caregivers through spirituality is often a necessary ingredient to working with African American caregivers. Clinicians need to demonstrate cultural sensitivity when working with African American caregivers.
Authors: Paul L Hess; Jason S Reingold; Jennifer Jones; Melissa A Fellman; Premere Knowles; Joseph E Ravenell; Stacey Kim; Jamie Raju; Erica Ruger; Sharonda Clark; Chibuike Okoro; Ore Ogunji; Patricia Knowles; David Leonard; Ruth P Wilson; Robert W Haley; Keith C Ferdinand; Anne Freeman; Ronald G Victor Journal: Hypertension Date: 2007-04-02 Impact factor: 10.190