Evaluation of a Tailored, Community Dementia Program for the Caregiving Dyad

Community programs tailored to the abilities of people living with dementia have the potential to address declines in physical and cognitive functioning while also making a positive difference in the daily lives of the caregiving dyad (person with living with dementia and their family caregivers). Unfortunately, these programs remain uncommon.

This study examined the potential of an 11-week tailored, community dementia program with the acceptability and sustainability of the program being evaluated. The program was held for 3 hr twice weekly, with the goal of facilitating social, cognitive, and physical engagement for the person living with dementia as well as providing a respite period and support group for the family caregivers.

No significant changes were found for the caregiving dyad; however insightful information was captured during the focus groups with the family caregivers. From the family caregiver focus groups, four main themes emerged: (a) socialization for the caregiving dyad, (b) engagement and routine fostered by the program, (c) change during the program, and (d) benefits of the program for the family caregivers.

By using a multimodal design and combining social, cognitive, and physical activity components, the program has the potential for being a beneficial nonpharmacological intervention. Since the completion of the study, our community partner has continued to offer the program. Significance/Implications: The program shows promise for being able to be tailored to the abilities and needs of the caregiving dyad as well as being integrated into existing organizational structures of communities.