PROMOTING THE HEALTH OF RURAL CAREGIVERS THROUGH THE CAREGIVER LITERACY SERIES

摘要

Repeatedly as multidisciplinary professionals we are concerned about the individual patient we serve – especially as we consider their cognitive and neurological needs. The Caregiver Literacy Series, is a series of ten specific modules designed to enhance the coping of the caregiver and family members through scientific and educational resources. Four specific therapeutic workbooks and accompanying CDs provides an overview of information about the specific neurological and biological aspects of the dementia disorder and how these aspects affect the individual’s behavior. The series designed through the use of the Self Efficacy Model (Bandura, 1968) and Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change (1988) theoretical frameworks has demonstrated some positive impact in improving one’s understanding of the illness, decreasing caregiver burnout and improving depression levels for users. The efficacy of these educational tools was measured by various psychometric scales including the Care giving Burden scale, Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Scale and Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Inventory. Some of the educational module topics include Understanding the Care giving Role; Care giving and Depression; Care giving and People with Alzheimer’s Disease; Care giving and People with Behavioral Issues. This presentation will showcase the specific modules of the series related to Alzheimer’s Disease, and showcase data on the efficacy of this intervention in a rural population of caregivers meeting the needs of their loved ones advancing in age. Qualitative and qualitative results suggest that these tools provide both information and respite to the potentially isolated caregiver and aids in the coping process.