ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Dementia Friends is a dementia awareness program that trains lay leaders (called "dementia champions") to give presentations about dementia to combat stigma in their community. OBJECTIVE: In this mixed methods study, we aimed to evaluate the impact and implementation of a pilot Dementia Friends program in Washington State to assess whether it improved attitudes towards people living with dementia. METHOD: Fifteen champions were recruited, who organized 22 Dementia Friends sessions, reaching 214 Dementia Friends participants. We collected data through interviews with champions and surveys administered to Dementia Friends participants before, immediately after, and 1-month after attending a Dementia Friends session. The survey collected demographic information and measured respondent attitudes towards people living with dementia using the Dementia Attitudes Scale. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed that Dementia Attitude scores improved after a Dementia Friends session; this improvement was maintained through the 1-month follow-up. In qualitative analysis of champion interviews, we identified several suggestions regarding implementation of the Dementia Friends program, which could strengthen the program and better support champions in their role, such as increasing logistical assistance during participant recruitment. CONCLUSION: Dementia Friends sessions were effective in improving participant attitudes towards people living with dementia and inspiring ongoing action towards building Dementia-Friendly communities. Champions found deep meaning in their role, but would benefit from increased support to make the volunteer role more sustainable. Our findings can inform efforts to successfully deliver Dementia Friends in other locations.
Subject(s)
Dementia , Friends , Humans , AttitudeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This article describes the translation and evaluation of STAR-Community Consultants program (STAR-C), an evidence-based dementia caregiver training program, within the Oregon Department of Human Services. METHOD: Staff from two regional Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were trained to implement all aspects of STAR-C, including screening, recruitment of caregiver/care-receiver dyads, and treatment delivery. Mailed assessments of caregiver depression, burden, and care-receiver mood, behavior, and quality of life were collected at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one dyads entered the program; 96 completed the 8-week intervention. Significant positive post-treatment effects were obtained for caregiver depression, burden, and reactivity to behavior problems, and care-receiver depression and quality of life. At 6-month follow-up, improvements in caregiver reactivity and care-receiver depression were maintained. Caregivers reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. DISCUSSION: STAR-C was successfully and effectively implemented by participating AAAs. Recommendations for replication, including training, recruitment, and assessment procedures are provided.
