Experiences of caregivers of people with dementia participating in a community‐based dementia caregiver program: Health services research / Policy and plans. (7th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seo, Hyun‐Ju; Kim, Seong Min; Park, Jeong Min; Choo, Il Han
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 16(2020)Supplement 10
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-12-07
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.039002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Caregivers often experience multiple challenges in their caregiving roles and responsibilities. In South Korea, a community based‐dementia caregiver program was introduced as one of public health policies. Understanding of caregivers' perspective and experience participated in a community based‐dementia caregiver program might be important to improve the quality of care of caregivers of people with dementia and refine the public policy program. The objectives of this study were to describe (1) how a community based‐dementia caregiver program helped caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer disease and related dementia, and (2) suggestions of the program to increase participation of caregivers. Method: A descriptive phenomenological study using thematic analysis with SUMARI software was used. A total of 12 Korean caregivers were interviewed at post‐intervention of 8 week‐Korean dementia caregivers' program provided by government funded dementia management center, called as CHIMAE ANSIM CENTER. Interview guide for qualitative interviews with caregivers were as follows. 1) How does a community based‐dementia caregiver program help caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer disease and related dementia? 2) Did it help you deal with significant changes you experienced as a caregiver? Why or why not? 3) Which features of the program do caregivers find most and least helpful? 4) Do you have any other suggestions or anything else to improve? Result: Several key themes with related subthemes will be emerged. The present study will show that participation in this program help caregivers have their care strategies positively leading to emotional and health benefits on the care dyads, and suggest the improvements to increase acceptability of this program. The specific study findings will be demonstrated in poster presentation of the conference. Conclusion: The present study will be the first study that demonstrated caregivers' experiences participated in a community based‐dementia caregiver program introduced as a public policy to challenge and cope the dementia of South Korea.