Date and Time
Theme / Track
Presentation Format
Background/Aim: The English version Carer Support Program (CSP) was effective in achieving self-efficacy in caring for a family member with dementia and improving carer health and well-being. We collaborated with Chinese caregivers and health professionals to co-design a Chinese version of the CSP and evaluated its effectiveness in Chinese carers of people living with dementia. Methods: The research adopted a pre/post-follow-up design and used mixed methods. The CSP consisted of eight weekly caregiving self-efficacy and skill-building sessions, coupled with carer support by bi-lingual Chinese health staff. Caregiving self-efficacy, carer burden, carer health-related quality of life, and dementia care approach were evaluated. Focus groups with carers elicited perceived benefits of the CSP for carers. Results: Five carer support groups (n=49) were conducted in three Sydney-based Chinese community centres. The CSP produced significant improvements in carers self-efficacy for caregiving (p<0.007) and lower carer burden (p=0.016), while the language barrier in health service access was associated with poorer physical health (p=0.021). Focus groups identified greater self-confidence with caregiving knowledge and experience following the CSP, peer influence on caregiving approaches, unseen challenges in caregiving and the need for greater carer support. Conclusion/Implication: The study findings confirm that culturally tailored support programs for Chinese carers of family members living with dementia are warranted. The findings indicate, however, that greater health service equity and inclusivity are needed to help Chinese carers maintain their health and well-being. Building on the success of the CSP, this program could be adapted for carers from other CALD backgrounds.
Keywords
Authors