Implementation and evaluation of a self-care toolkit for caregivers of families with dementia.

Background Family caregivers who care for individuals with dementia are more likely to develop chronic stress, major depression, anxiety, and physical health disorders and they have a higher mortality rate compared with the general population. Local problem Caregivers are at an increased risk of physical and mental disorders. Many report that they are fatigued and need more forms of support. Methods This project involved a convenience sample of 35 family caregivers who cared for family with dementia. Prequestionnaires and postquestionnaires were used to determine improvements in caregiver health and well-being and caregiver resources for supportive services as well as reduction in caregiver stress. Interventions An evidence-based educational class was developed and implemented based on the Family Care Alliance (FCA): Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers Toolkit. The project aimed to (1) assess two FCA recommended domains: caregiver health and well-being and caregiver resources for supportive services and (2) reduce caregiver stress. Results Stress Inventory results showed notable change in high risk/low risk categorization from pretest to posttest. At pretest, 31 caregivers were categorized as at high risk for unhealthy levels of stress, but posttest showed only 9 caregivers were so categorized. Approximately, 70% of those at high risk at pretest were categorized as low risk at posttest. Conclusions This project validated that evidence-based educational interventions can improve caregiver knowledge and self-care. Continued support may be promoted by incorporating education and offering resource brochures to caregivers during primary care visits.