Title

The Senior companion program plus: A culturally-tailored psychoeducational training program for senior companions

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Publication Title

Journal of Dementia

Keywords

Senior Companions, culture, dementia caregiving, training, volunteers, USM Aging Initiative, Health and Wellness

Abstract

A purposive sample of African American Senior Companions ( N = 23) participated in a 5-day, 20-hour psychoeducational training designed to address the unique cultural needs of African American dementia caregivers. Previous studies have not utilized lay caregiver volunteers such as Senior Companions in dementia research in the United States. Pre- and post-tests were administered to determine whether African American Senior Companions increased their knowledge of Alzheimer's disease after participating in the Senior Companion Program Plus. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data suggest that participants improved their understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Findings from the Senior Companion Program Plus pilot warrant further study for its potential as cost effective, culturally tailored training for Senior Companions who serve persons with dementia and their family caregivers.

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