Improving access to a multi-component intervention for caregivers and people with dementia

Abstract

Due to the increasing social and economic costs of dementia, there are urgent calls to develop accessible and sustainable care for people with dementia and their caregivers. Multi-component non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) appear effective in improving or maintaining daily functioning and well-being, but are typically labour-intensive for health care professionals, thus hindering access. The current study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a novel approach to widen access to NPI by involving caregivers to present part of the intervention and with staff from local support organizations instructed to train the caregivers. Trainers and caregivers were shown to comply with training instructions and the direct intervention costs were low. Feedback from trainers and caregivers was positive and well-being ratings from people with dementia and caregivers remained stable over time and caregivers’ sense of competence improved. The findings suggest that involving caregivers and trained non-professionals to provide the intervention is feasible and acceptable and could be a cost-effective solution to improve access to care.