EXPANDING SUPPORT FOR RURAL CAREGIVERS

摘要

Family caregivers are vital partners in the care for older adults. Rural counties are experiencing a growing proportion of older adults having chronic conditions, although rural caregivers having limited options for needed support. This presentation will describe a partnership between an academic medical center and Area Agency on Aging that expanded evidence-based programs for caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer’s Dementia and related disorders targeting rural North Texas counties over a three year period (2015 to 2018) as part of a HRSA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program. Analysis of pre- and post-evaluations show reductions in caregiver burden, and symptoms of depression, including feelings of loneliness and sleep restlessness. Results show the potential benefits of academic and community partnerships and lessons learned from collaborative efforts to support caregivers in rural areas.