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The Gerontologist Advance Access published online on October 6, 2009
The Gerontologist, doi:10.1093/geront/gnp138
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.

Acceptability and Feasibility Results of a Strength-Based Skills Training Program for Dementia Caregiving Dyads

Katherine S. Judge, PhD1,2,3, Sarah J. Yarry, MA4,5 and Silvia Orsulic-Jeras, MA3

2 Department of Psychology, Cleveland State University, Ohio
3 The Margaret Blenkner Research Institute of The Benjamin Rose Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
4 Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
5 Palo Alto VA Healthcare System, California

1 Address correspondence to Katherine S. Judge, PhD, Department of Psychology, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, CB 109, Cleveland, OH 44115. E-mail: k.judge46{at}csuohio.edu


  Abstract

Purpose: The current article provides an in-depth description of a dyadic intervention for individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Using a strength-based approach, caregiving dyads received skills training across 5 key areas: (a) education regarding dementia and memory loss, (b) effective communication, (c) managing memory loss, (d) staying active, and (e) recognizing emotions and behaviors. Results of the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention protocols are also presented. Design and Methods: Caregiving dyads were randomly assigned to participate in the intervention. Participants in the treatment condition were asked to complete a series of evaluation questions after each intervention session and an overall evaluation of the program. Data were also collected from the intervention specialists who implemented the protocols. Results: Overall, the evaluation data indicated that the content and process of the intervention were viewed as highly acceptable and feasible by both participants and intervention specialists. Implications: This article highlights the merit of using a strength-based approach for working with caregiving dyads with dementia and how a single intervention protocol can be used to address the goals of both care partners. Furthermore, the intervention program was found to be highly acceptable and feasible, which is an important aspect of developing dyadic protocols.

Keywords: Caregiving, Dementia, Intervention

Received May 11, 2009; Accepted September 2, 2009

Decision Editor: Kathleen Walsh Piercy, PhD


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