Premium
P1‐279: Volunteers adding life in dementia (valid): A volunteer‐led intervention to reduce behavioral symptoms of dementia in long‐term care settings
Author(s) -
Seitz Dallas,
Knuff Amber,
Gill Sudeep,
Prorok Jeanette
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.06.480
Subject(s) - volunteer , dementia , psychological intervention , medicine , randomized controlled trial , intervention (counseling) , long term care , physical therapy , gerontology , psychiatry , disease , agronomy , biology
is to describe satisfaction with the Daily Enhancement of Meaningful Activity (DEMA), a family-focused, tailored intervention to help persons with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI)-caregiver dyads facing MCI gain skills to supportively work together to meet goals, remain engaged in meaningful activities, and adapt to changes over time. Methods: In a randomized control trial with a convenience sample of 35 PwMCI-caregiver dyads, we compared satisfaction (usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability) of the DEMA intervention group (n1⁄417 dyads) to an information support group (n1⁄418 dyads). Data collection occurred between June 2013 and January 2015. Both groups received a 6 bi-weekly sessions 2 face-to-face, 4 via telephone delivered via trained nurse intervener. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t tests, multilevel model for dyads and content analysis. Results: The preliminary data show that dyad ratings on a 1 5 scale, with 5 being strongly agree, provided evidenced of satisfaction with the DEMA program. Dyad satisfaction ratings in the DEMA group were higher than the information support group. There were no significant differences between PwMCI and caregivers (PwMCI, Mean 1⁄4 4.17, SD 1⁄4 .15 Vs. Caregiver, Mean 1⁄4 4.01, SD 1⁄4 .15) on the satisfaction measures (usefulness, ease of use, acceptability) in the DEMA group. Both DEMA patients and caregivers had mean scores above 4. Qualitative comments from both PwMCI and caregivers in the DEMA group provided further evidence of high satisfaction. Six main themes were found and labeled: (a) DEMA program is an open and beneficial program; (b) Program provides teamwork through communication; (c) Promoting self-selected meaningful activities and prioritization; (d) Increasing awareness of cognitive changes; (e) Increasing confidence and coping skill; and (f) knowing and using of available resources. Conclusions:Both qualitative and quantitative evidence of dyads satisfaction for the DEMA intervention was found in the preliminary data. The DEMA program may be viable family-focused, telephone-based program that can be implemented by nurses to support PwMCI-caregiver dyads to gain coping and health promotion at community.